Research Scientist

Research Scientist

Position Locations

6165 Guardian Gateway, Ste L-M, Aberdeen Proving Grounds,

Tracking Code

10335

Position Type

Part-Time

Job Title: Research Scientist

Project: Army Research Lab (ARL) Weapon Systems Division

Reports To: Kathleen M. Kelly

Summary:

This position maintains a close relationship with researchers at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) and the Army Research Laboratory - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ARL). The position will work with physics researchers at Michigan Tech who are developing technologies for a quantum-optical inertial maneuvering unit (IMU), with researchers at ARL, and with one or more student design and development groups at Michigan Tech. The position will bring together the realms of quantum-optical research and engineered evaluation hardware and methods to test and evaluate those quantum-optical IMU components.

Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) is a recently developed technology whereby coherent light is passed through an angularly graded phase shifter. The exiting light has a spiral property also referred to as vortex light.

OAM has been theorized and shown as a technique for high speed and stable optical communication. OAM requires a stable source of coherent light that can be created in a quantum well at room temperature. This work is being pursued by physicists at Michigan Tech.

In the past two years it has been realized that this concept can be used in an optical interferometric application to sense both linear acceleration and rotation within the same system, which up to this point has not been possible. In current IMU technology, angular rotation and linear translation are satisfied by separate and distinct components.

Angular rotation sensing is accomplished using either micromechanical accelerometers tangentially positioned to sense rotation, or by using many turns of optical fibers as a Sagnac interferometer. These solutions are complex and the Sagnac interferometer physics does not scale well to small sizes. As the size decreases, the sensitivity and limit of detection of angular motion also decreases.

The physics-based work at Michigan Tech will demonstrate and prototype the utility of OAM as a Program Managere technology for quantum-optical IMUs. Because the light source and detection methods are quantum-optical, the technology should be amenable to eventual chip-scale miniaturization.

The work shall model OAM device performance with which to design and develop test and evaluation (T&E) hardware and methods that conform to current standards. Because this is a new technology, the work may inform the development of new standards for OAM-based IMUs.

This three-year effort (began in October 2024 and ends 30 September 2027) will support CLAWS developments by designing and fabricating one or more electromechanical testbeds. The testbeds will be designed and fabricated as part of Michigan Tech undergraduate-student senior capstone design project courses. The testbeds will progress in complexity over the three years evolving from a stationary rotating mechanism with command and position feedback using a commercial IMU as a comparative standard, to a mobile system that will be used for both rotation and translation measurements, then finally to inProgram Managerporating the OAM IMU hardware into a flight environment via aircraft or drone.

Essential Job Functions: The employee will perform the following specific tasks.

These represent the minimum task descriptions that may be updated as work on the quantum-optical inertial maneuvering unit (IMU) progresses. The following tasks shall be performed independent of Government supervision, direction, and control but with collaboration to help ensure maximum benefit.

a. Serve as subject matter expert on test and evaluation hardware and methods, and consult with/for undergraduate senior capstone design student group(s) during each academic year at Michigan Tech. These groups are funded under a separate program.

b. Serve as the technical interface between physics researchers developing quantum-optical IMU components and engineering students developing test and evaluation hardware and methods. This task will help ensure that the two groups and their technologies are mutually compatible and on a suitable timeline.

c. Conduct accuracy, repeatability, and long-term stability tests and evaluation of quantum-optical IMU components in years two and three, and of a surrogate commercial IMU during the first year of the project. This task will ensure that the test hardware, methods, and evaluation conform to technical standards and are transportable across CLAWS.

d. In collaboration with physics researchers at Michigan Tech and other CLAWS participants, conduct critical design reviews and adjust statements of work for subsequent undergraduate design group(s) for T&E hardware and methods.

e. Keep ARL and Michigan Tech researchers apprised of the public-access academic and commercial literature and advancements of quantum-optical IMU based systems. This information will be locally archived and made openly available.

f. Prepare detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports to ARL. Meet with ARL and CLAWS project leadership as needed during each year.

Reporting:

a. Oral and/or electronic email reports will be provided to the Program Manager on a monthly basis.

b. Written (electronic) quarterly reports shall be submitted to the PROGRAM MANAGER.

The report will include the following: Research Objective, Progress Made During Reporting Period, Progress Planned for Next Reporting Period, Expenditures and Billing During Reporting Period, Deliverables Schedule, Problem Areas or Issues for Resolution.

c. Each year an annual report, and then a final three-year report summarizing the work performed, results, and conclusions will be submitted to the PROGRAM MANAGER and the Technical Representative on or before the end of the period of performance specified.

An electronic version of the report plus two paper copies will be submitted to the PROGRAM MANAGER. Only an electronic version of the report will be sent to the Technical Representative.

Required Education & Experience: (or equivalent)

PhD in Engineering or Applied Sciences; PhD in Engineering or Applied Sciences; 10 years experience in RDT&E directly related to the contract.

License & Certifications:

Must have Driver's License.

Travel:

Employee may be responsible for up to 1-4 trips annually.

Knowledge & Skills:

Experience in three-dimensional dynamics, design of critical components and systems, interfacing hardware with data acquisition systems.

Physical Demands/Working Environment:

Able to work in a laboratory environment and stand for long periods.

Security Clearance:

Secret (willing to obtain clearance)

Intrepid Global Solutions, LLC. ("IGS" and/or "Company") and its affiliates, including but not limited to IAP World Services, Inc., and subsidiaries is an EOE, including disability/vets.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.