Optics & Electro-Optical Engineering… at QinetiQ US · US-VA-For…

Summary: QinetiQ US is a leading company in defense, aerospace, and security, seeking a graduate student or recent degree holder for a summer internship. The intern will contribute to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced optical systems and technologies in a fast-paced defense prototyping environment. Responsibilities: - Contribute to the research, development, and prototyping of advanced optical materials, components, assemblies, and subassemblies for imaging and non-imaging systems, including lightweight eyepiece optics and electronically switchable optical devices - Perform or support optical design and performance modeling, technology trade studies, fabrication tolerance analysis, and design reviews - Support the research and development of anti-reflectance, high-reflectivity, and enhanced absorption optical coatings and thin-film optical surface treatments for broad and narrow band applications - Contribute to the research and development of micro-display components and eyepiece optics, including straight-view refractive, waveguide, and freeform prism technologies for advanced virtual displays in head-mounted and weapon-mounted display applications - Support improvements in materials and processes, investigation into new display technologies, building of prototypes, and assessment of displays and eyepiece optics in a laboratory environment - Support the development, testing, and evaluation of IR and EO devices operating across VIS, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR wavebands, including MWIR/LWIR and VISNIR/SWIR Threat Warning Sensors - Perform or assist with laboratory testing, characterization, and field testing of advanced EO/IR camera sensors, including Visible Camera (Day TV), Image Intensifier (I²), Digital Image Intensifier (I²TV), SWIR sensors, cooled and uncooled detectors, Dewars, and multi-band camera sensors - Support research into advanced Low Optical Cross Section (OCS) sensor technologies, Anti-Jamming techniques, and laser damage protection methods - Contribute to the preparation of Scientific and Technical Reports, test plans, test reports, and technical documentation in accordance with applicable Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) - Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams of hardware engineers, software engineers, and scientists to design, develop, assemble, test, and optimize optical and electro-optical systems - Participate in design reviews and present findings to government and internal stakeholders as appropriate Required Qualifications: - Currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral program, or holds a recently conferred (within the past 12 months) Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related STEM discipline - Demonstrated coursework or academic project experience in optics, photonics, imaging systems, electro-optical systems, or a related technical area - Experience with optical design software such as Zemax (academic or professional) - Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis - Ability to perform hands-on laboratory work, including assembly, alignment, calibration, and testing of optical devices and systems - Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical reports and documentation - Ability to work onsite at Fort Belvoir, Virginia for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks during the summer - Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance (or have an active clearance) Preferred Qualifications: - Graduate-level coursework or thesis/research experience in optical design, imaging science, infrared systems, thin-film coatings, display technologies, or electro-optical countermeasures - Experience with VIS, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and/or LWIR imaging systems or sensors - Experience with imaging system assembly, test, calibration, and/or characterization - Familiarity with micro-display technologies, waveguide optics, freeform optics, or head-mounted display systems - Experience with cooled and/or uncooled detector technologies - Experience with optical coatings, thin-film design, or surface treatment processes - Experience with machining, mechanical design, electronics, or building scientific instruments - Experience with lasers and/or a variety of optical components and instruments - Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in a defense, government, or related R&D environment - A passion for optical and electro-optical technologies and their application to national defense Required Skills: Optical Engineering, Optical Design Software Important Skills: Python, MATLAB, Electro-Optical Systems, Imaging Systems, Laboratory Testing