ONS - Research Intern 2026

The Optical Networking and Sensing department invites applications for summer 2026 internships. We are seeking individuals with strong problem-solving skills and technical abilities, to work with us on applying cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies to solve real-world problems in optical networking and intelligent sensing and make a practical impact on our future products and solutions for safety & security, smart city, infrastructure health monitoring, underwater surveillance, power & energy industry etc.

Past projects include network digital twin, earthquake localization, transfer learning in EDFA gain models, adaptation and distillation of multi-modal foundation models, LLM application development, GPU computing, etc.

• Currently enrolled in PhD/MSc program in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, robotics, applied math, or a related technical field of study
• Expertise in one of more of the following areas: deep learning, computer vision, generative models, LLM and foundation models, agents, physical AI, sim2real transfer, acoustics, and CUDA programming
• Experience contributing to research communities or efforts, including publishing papers in conferences or journals
• Excellent programming skills in Python or similar languages (experience with Pytorch/JAX, or LLM frameworks such as LangChain is a plus)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Minimum durations of the internships are usually 3 months, and the exact dates are flexible.

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $6,200 to $8,200/month, depending upon the selected candidate’s relevant experience and area of expertise. NEC offers its interns paid company holidays, access to fitness areas as well as travel and housing allowance, if applicable. We offer a collaborative, friendly and growth-oriented atmosphere that includes team events, such as onsite ping pong, access to gym facilities, basketball courts, complimentary snacks and beverages and monthly tea-time events.

ABOUT NEC LABORATORIES AMERICA

NEC Laboratories America, Inc. (NEC Labs) is the US-based research center for NEC Corporation’s global network of corporate research laboratories with locations in Princeton, New Jersey, and San Jose, California. NEC Corporation is a leader in integrating IT and network technologies with more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses, and society. We focus on technology research and early market penetration in five primary areas: Data Science & Systems Research, Integrated Systems, Machine Learning, Media Analytics, and Optical Networking & Sensing. Since our founding in 1988, NEC Labs America has strived to uncover essential knowledge and create innovative solutions for society in collaboration with industry, academia, and governments.

NEC Laboratories America is committed to the maximum utilization of all human resources and the goal of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic characteristics, height, weight, arrest record pertaining to misdemeanors or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, or any other class protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

EOE-Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.