Optical Sciences Summer Intern

Reliance Test & Technology • Patuxent River, MD

5h

About The Position

This temporary summer student position supports the Atlantic Test Range (ATR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The Patuxent River Infrared Signature Measurement Group is a fully autonomous, field deployable measurement team focused on the collection and analysis of Ultraviolet & Infrared (UV/IR) signature data from static to dynamic flight test. To accomplish this, state-of-the-art imagers and spectrometers are utilized to collect and analyze radiometric signature measurements for DoD programs of record. PRISM works hand-in-hand with a variety of engineering disciplines to develop methods of testing and collection of radiometric signature data of DoD assets under test. PRISM engineers have the opportunity to work in various environments behind desks; in highly specialized labs, at indoor/outdoor test and measurement ranges, and field operational locations. PRISM is critical to the success of DoD programs, aircraft survivability, and the warfighter at large. Primary objectives of this position include the operation of FTIR spectrometers and UV/IR imagers for the collection and analysis of UV/IR aircraft signature data, resulting in high confidence reports addressing problems of interest. Note: This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Pursuing a Bachelors' degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering.
• Understanding of optics, electrical engineering principles, mathematics, physics, electronics, and MATLAB.
• Functional understanding of optical phenomenology, atmospheric transmission and scattering, radiometry, focal plane array characterization/calibration, and optical detector theory.
• Experience with algorithm development, programming/coding/scripting image/signal processing techniques in MATLAB.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain complex technical concepts in a readily comprehensible manner
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and successfully pass drug screening
• Currently hold or be able to obtain and maintain the proper US DoD issued security clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
• Security clearance eligibility may be discussed during the interview phase.
• Employment and start date contingent upon the candidate receiving the required US DoD issued interim security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the collection, calibration and reduction of radiometric data using radiometric instrumentation is support of field test events. This includes but is not limited to signature phenomenology's of aircraft structure, engines, missiles, rocket motor plumes, air platforms, and the relevant background scenes during flight conditions in support of DoD technology development and other programs.
• Operation of UV/IR imagers, Spectrometers, and FTIR based Hyperspectral Imagers. This includes data collection, analysis, post-processing, and communicating results of laboratory, field, flight, and vehicle signature measurements.
• Gain a fundamental understanding of optical phenomenology, atmospheric transmission and scattering, radiometry, focal plane array characterization / calibration, and optical detector theory.
• Image processing and data reduction including investigating spectral radiometric calibration techniques and procedures.
• Evaluation and experimentation of state-of-the-art UV/IR spectral FTIR sensor performance in various environments and conditions.
• Develop code using MATLAB & MODTRAN with respect to the operation, calibration, data reduction, image processing, batch-processing and interpretation of multispectral radiometric infrared camera data, interferograms, & hyperspectral data-cubes.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern