Optical System Intern

WHO WE ARE

InSpek uses optical microchip technology to sense multiple molecules, temperature, acidity, oxygenation, and more in real time, directly at the heart of biochemical reactions. Our sensors help produce medicines, food, and energy while reducing waste. We make sensors better, cheaper, and smaller!

Do you want to join a young, dynamic, ambitious, and VC-backed startup?

Then InSpek is the place for you!

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

We are looking for an Optical intern (6 months) to evaluate and benchmark optical switching components for integration into our optical sensing system. You will work closely with the optical measurements and packaging teams to test different commercial optical switches, assess performance criteria, and support integration into real-time Raman or spectroscopic sensing setups.

This role is ideal for an engineering or physics student with interest in fibre optics, photonic instrumentation, and hands-on lab experimentation. You’ll contribute directly to design decisions and gain experience in testing methodologies and system-level integration.

RESPONSABILITIES

Optical switch evaluation:

• Survey and compile a shortlist of commercial optical switches (mechanical, MEMS, solid-state, etc.) for InSpek’s operational wavelengths.
• Develop criteria for comparison: insertion loss, repeatability, switching speed, PER, footprint, electrical interface, cost…
• Interface with vendors for datasheets and technical clarifications.

Test setup and automation:

• Build and align a testbench to characterize switch performance with fiber-coupled laser sources and detectors.
• Write Python scripts to automate switching sequences and data acquisition (including logging output power, loss stability, and back reflections).
• Implement temperature and vibration variation tests if relevant.
• Analyse measurement data to quantify key metrics (loss maps, temporal stability, degradation, etc.).

System integration:

• Explore software integration with existing control systems (e.g. serial interface protocols, GUI control).
• Explore hardware integration into existing control unit, ensuring electrical compatibility (e.g. USB, RS-232, TTL).

COMPETENCIES / PROFIL

• Currently pursuing a degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with fibre optics and optical manipulations: lab testing techniques and equipment including lasers, detectors, spectrometers.
• Experience of programming in Python, UI/UX and data collection libraries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with equipment interfacing and characterisation setup.
• Good communication skills in English. French is a plus.
• Proactivity, creativity, and all the soft skills that will help build the success of InSpek with us!

BENEFITS

🍽️ Meal vouchers

🏃🏼 Gymlib account (access to gyms & sports)

🏡 Flexible remote work policy

🎉 Regular social events

🌟 Inclusive culture

🚀 Unique opportunity to be an early employee at an innovative startup

InSpek’s offices & laboratories are located at DocCity Suresnes, in the western Paris region.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don’t tick all the requirements. Here’s the link to Apply.

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