Optics & Electro-Optical Engineering Summer Intern - Graduate

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

QinetiQ US is seeking a graduate student or recent degree holder with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related STEM discipline to join our Optics, Displays, and Sensor Protection team for a summer internship at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This is a full-time, onsite internship with no remote work option. The selected intern must be available to work a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks during the summer.

The intern will contribute to meaningful technical work supporting the design, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced optical systems, micro-display and virtual display technologies, EO/IR sensors, and sensor protection solutions operating across the Visible (VIS), Near IR (NIR), Short-Wave IR (SWIR), Mid-Wave IR (MWIR), and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) portions of the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) spectrum. This role is ideal for candidates who have foundational academic knowledge and are looking to apply and deepen their technical expertise in a fast-paced defense prototyping environment.

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 (I), Digital Image Intensifier (ITV), 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

• 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)

• 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

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.