Optics & Electro-Optical Engineering Summer Intern

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 USs 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 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 motivated undergraduate student currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering Electrical Engineering Physics Materials Science or a closely related STEM discipline to join our Optics Displays and laser team for a summer internship at Fort Belvoir Virginia. This is a hands-on 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 gain real-world experience supporting the design development testing and evaluation of advanced optical systems micro-displays virtual display technologies and laser devices 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 is an excellent opportunity for students looking to apply classroom knowledge to cutting-edge defense technology programs in a collaborative multidisciplinary engineering environment.

• Assist senior engineers and scientists in the research development and prototyping of advanced optical materials components assemblies and subassemblies for imaging and non-imaging systems
• Support hands-on laboratory activities including assembly alignment calibration and testing of optical components and systems
• Assist with technology trade studies optical design and performance modeling and fabrication tolerance analysis under the guidance of experienced staff
• Support the research and development of micro-display components and eyepiece optics including straight-view refractive waveguide and freeform prism technologies for head-mounted and weapon-mounted virtual displays
• Assist in building prototypes and assessing displays and eyepiece optics in a laboratory environment
• Support laboratory testing characterization and field testing of advanced EO/IR camera sensors operating in Ultraviolet Visible NIR SWIR MWIR and LWIR wavebands including multi-band camera sensors
• Assist with the evaluation of Visible Camera (Day TV) Image Intensifier (I²) Digital Image Intensifier (I²TV) SWIR sensors cooled and uncooled detectors Dewars and threat warning sensors
• Support documentation efforts including contributing to Scientific and Technical Reports and test data collection
• Assist with research into anti-reflectance high-reflectivity and enhanced absorption optical coatings and thin-film optical surface treatments
• Participate in design reviews and team meetings gaining exposure to the full engineering lifecycle from concept through prototype
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Optics Displays and Sensor Protection mission areas

• Currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering Electrical Engineering Physics Materials Science or a closely related STEM discipline (sophomore junior or senior standing preferred)
• Coursework in optics physics electromagnetics or related subjects
• Strong interest in optics photonics imaging systems and/or electro-optical technologies
• Ability to work onsite at Fort Belvoir Virginia for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks during the summer
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn in a hands-on laboratory setting
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance (or have an active clearance)

• Completed coursework or lab experience in optical design lens systems imaging science or photonics
• Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax
• Familiarity with Python MATLAB or similar data acquisition and analysis tools
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory machine shop or maker space environment
• Interest in or exposure to infrared imaging electro-optical systems display technologies or defense applications
• Prior internship or co-op experience in an engineering or scientific environment

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 or call 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.