Participating Lab: Naval Air Warfare Center – Weapons Division (NAWC-WD)

Bailout Parachute Survival System

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Assist with design upgrades for an existing Navy emergency bailout parachute survival system. Join a small team of parachute engineers and ex-military engineering technicians to provide vital support for our Naval aircrew. Learn about personnel parachute systems, survival rafts, emergency oxygen systems, and more. Study aircrew needs during normal flight and emergencies. Make a difference and help save lives.

Game of Drones

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Interns would work on designing/developing assets used in the Game of Drones course that teaches Electronic Warfare (EW) Concepts by having students perform a Strike mission using Drones against a miniaturized Integrated Air Defense System.

Development and Prototyping of an Augmented Reality O-Level RF Testing Aid Application

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The goal of this project will be to develop an application which will assist USN maintainers when performing free-space radiation testing of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems on the flight line. The project will entail: 1) Developing a computer application that utilizes computer vision and augmented reality concepts to assist in aiming the RF test wand (e.g. distance, angle of incidence, antenna alignment, etc.). The application should also calculate and present on screen the relevant RF performance metrics for the current test (e.g. transmitted power, theoretical power incident at the target antenna site, distance from antenna site, angle of incidence, etc.) 2) Develop and demonstrate a prototype using commercial off the shelf (COTS) targeting aids (web camera(s), laser range finders, etc.)

Becoming Like Fire Ant Rafts

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Unique properties of nanomaterials such as good chemical resistance, high thermal stability, and good conductivity have important application to the Navy. To maximize these attributes in a usable materials system, the nanomaterials need to be combined with polymers in a way that is complementary. The interface between the polymer and nanomaterial is of chemical significance and macroscopic significance. This interface can be optimized by tuning the interaction with molecular modifications of either the nanomaterial or the polymer to mimic such systems in nature. This project would explore synthetically changing this interface through weak associations or dynamic bonds with a goal of optimizing novel methods of nanomaterial incorporation. The polymers will be characterized with conventional chemistry techniques such as NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The composites will be characterized with methods such as thermal analysis, microscopy, and mechanical testing.

InstallShield Process Automation

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The intern is expected to perform research and analysis on the InstallShield software and the specific environment they are in. The intern must take into account cost, environmental considerations, and DoD regulations in their analysis. The intern will utilize the results of the research and analysis to select what InstallShield process are the best candidates for automation. They will then work with the organization’s software engineering team to develop a plan to automate those processes. 

Joint Debriefing Subsystem (JDS) Code Analysis

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The intern will be expected to perform analysis on components of a legacy software application written in obsolete code languages for implementation in the C++ language. The intern will familiarize themselves with ADA and Pascal languages, examine the code components that exist, and develop a requirements set that would allow a C++ programmer to develop code that meets those requirements. 

IT/Cybersecurity Ansible Automation

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The intern is expected to come to perform research and analysis into how to utilize the Ansible software suite in a DoD environment. They will present the results of their research and analysis to the team along with their suggested solution. The solution must include proper implementation based on Ansible standards, a defined draft process for playbook generation in the specific environment, considerations of industry best practices, and considerations of DoD restrictions/constraints. The analysis must include an examination of cost, ease of deployment, maintainability, and sustainability.

LADSS Digital Transformation Project

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The Logistics Archive Document Scanning System (LADSS) is a capability within the Technical Data Division for the automated digitization of technical documents. The archive houses over 8 million digital documents spanning 80 years of Naval weapons engineering and logistics data, including engineering drawings, parts lists, specifications, and engineering change documentation. During the LADSS Digital Transformation project, interns will configure digital tools to automate the identification, classification, OCR, extraction, and cataloging of the LADSS archive. The project scope includes developing data models, schemas, extraction templates, and digital workflows to digitally transform the LADSS archive into an integrated data environment. Interns will implement validation processes to ensure data accuracy and collaborate to optimize workflows and create documentation for future reference. The goal is to establish a capability that enables NAVAIR Weapons Division to streamline the retrieval and management of critical technical information within LADSS to support current digital engineering and logistics challenges. Digital transformation of the archive will allow for future integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) capabilities.

ULQ-21 Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) Program Modernization and Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) Programming

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Development of hardware or software to support the ULQ-21 Threat Simulation Systems.

Information System Cybersecurity Internship Opportunity

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of cyber security and information system policies/guidelines, documentation, drawings, and procedures. Support the configuration, management, and monitoring of information systems. Conduct site surveys, audits, and assessments of information systems and network infrastructure. Learn and research various commercial hardware and software products, and investigate use cases.

Information Technology Networking and Communications Internship Opportunity

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Participate in the design, implementation, and maintenance of our network infrastructure. Assist in troubleshooting and resolving network connectivity and performance issues. Assist in troubleshooting and resolving radio frequency (RF) and communications systems. Collaborate with the team on network security and monitoring. Learn and conduct research on new networking technologies and solutions, and investigate use cases. Contribute to the documentation, testing, and installation of new networking implementations.

Internship Opportunity in Electronics Engineering

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Assist with the design, development, installation, and layout of PCB schematics, board designs, and electronic systems. Participate in the selection and inventory of electrical components for various electronic devices. Support the programming and testing of embedded systems. Help develop and perform test plans to validate the functionality and reliability of designs. Collaborate with the team in the debugging and troubleshooting of any design and code issues. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of system documentation.

Software Development Internship Opportunity

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of our software applications. Collaborate with the team to brainstorm new features and functionalities. Troubleshoot and solve software issues as they arise. Research and learn about new technologies, such as virtualized environments, and investigate use cases.  Participate in reviews to improve code quality and design. Contribute to the improvement of our development processes and workflows.

Point Mugu Sea Range Facilities Project

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Facilities maintenance and management. Tasks related to planning, organization, and execution of work that maintains and optimizes the functioning of buildings, physical assets, equipment, and systems.

Point Mugu Sea Range Website development/management and web based applications and tools

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, California 90265, USA

Research Opportunity Description:
Website design, management, and workflow, as well as power applications and power automation.

Small-Scale Facility Design for Air-Breathing Combustors

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Assist in the integration of a rotating detonation test article into existing or planned direct connect facility hardware.

Chemical Kinetics Measured Via Shock Tube Testing

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Shock tube testing for developing kinetics on HTPB-based propellants, measurements will be used to validate models that are in development at the Army Research Laboratory.

Project supporting Electronic Warfare RF Threat Simulation Development

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Depending on the individual’s academic background, the candidate will have opportunities to support the Spectrum Simulation and Stimulation (S3) Branch in the Aircraft and Spectrum Integration Environments (ASIE) Division with a variety of projects in the area of EW RF Threat Simulation Development. One example project is to develop a machine learning algorithm that can derive various characteristics about a radar signal (such as scan type, scan period, or combination with other parameters) based on sample scan data. 

Supporting Whitney Project

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Depending on the individual’s academic background, the candidate will have opportunities to work on the Whitney project with a variety of tasks in supporting RF Threat Simulation Development under the Spectrum Simulation and Stimulation (S3) Branch in the Aircraft and Spectrum Integration Environments (ASIE) Division. This project is to develop and implement groundbreaking software solutions that help automate various phases of the threat simulation development lifecycle, leverage the latest advancements in AI and Machine Learning to aggregate and analyze data from diverse sources, utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to create intelligent systems capable of answering specific questions and providing valuable guidance to simulation developers and customers, etc.

Infrared Missile Performance Modelling Internship

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The infrared (IR) modeling intern will join the technical project office’s modeling and simulation (M&S) team, working on an advanced M&S project focused on the infrared signature analysis of missile systems. This project involves evaluating and improving the performance of weapons systems by using sophisticated IR sensor technologies. This work directly supports the development of next-generation defense capabilities. Interns will contribute to the following areas: IR sensor modeling and simulation, weapon systems performance analysis, data analysis and reporting, and collaboration and mentorship. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to improving IR signature models using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or other simulation software, analyzing large datasets for performance validation, and conducting research on current IR detection technologies.

Missile Systems Engineering Internship

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The Systems Engineering intern will join the technical project office’s systems engineering team, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that various subsystems and components function together as a reliable, high-performing system. This includes learning the interactions between different system elements, analyzing tradeoffs, and ensuring that the overall system meets fleet operational requirements. This role will provide key insights into how components such as infrared sensors, communications networks, software, hardware, energetics, electronics, etc., integrate into a larger system. Key responsibilities include systems analysis and integration, requirements analysis, systems modelling and simulation (MBSE), performance optimization, risk assessment, documentation, and reporting.

High-Performance Biosynthetic Aviation Fuels

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The candidate will work with an experienced senior researcher and integrated team to develop new methods for the synthesis of high-performance, sustainable aviation fuels from biomass sources. The candidate will develop expertise in catalysis, organic synthesis, fuel chemistry, spectroscopy, and fuel analysis.

High-Performance Biosynthetic Polymers and Composites

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The candidate will work with an experienced senior researcher and integrated team to synthesize and characterize new monomers and polymers from bio-based substrates. A key goal of the research will be to develop polymers that can be efficiently recycled utilizing low-energy inputs or biodegrade in the environment to reduce the formation of micro/nanoplastics. The candidate will develop expertise in organic/polymer synthesis, polymer processing and analysis, as well as composite fabrication.

Electronic Warfare WarRoom LVC (Live Virtual Constructive) Operator/Scenario Designer

Research Opportunity Location:
Point Mugu, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
The Spectrum Warfare Department at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division developed the Electronic Warfare “War Room” (EW War Room) as a highly connected experiment/exercise control center. The EW War Room is configured with a large “Video Wall” that can simultaneously support multiple video feeds to serve as an Operations Center to control national-level experiments at the collateral SECRET level. The EW War Room integrates individual results from RF hardware in the loop laboratories currently housed at Point Mugu. Capability to connect the EW War Room with other Western Test Range Complex ranges at Edwards AFB, Nellis AFB, Utah Test and Training Range, and the Pt Mugu Sea Ranges to provide a “God’s eye view” of the spectrum environment and its impact on large scale engagements is in work. Candidate will be trained to work as an operator to assist conducting Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) events. The candidate will be trained on the most current software tools that are used to support LVC events, to include the Next Generation Threat Systems (NGTS), Digital Integrated Air Defense Systems (DIADS), and Merlin/Meerkat.  Estimate 2.5 weeks will be required to learn the software tools. Operational training will also be conducted to provide a basic understanding of Blue (Friendly) and Red (Threat) Air, Surface, and Sub-surface capabilities. The candidate will be asked to explore how to use the Meerkat system to leverage its graphical representation of the EW spectrum to elaborate post-event analysis of actual LVC events.  If the EW WarRoom test schedule permits, the candidate will be asked to design and run operationally realistic scenarios as learning tools to illuminate the value of using the Meerkat system. Scenarios will include the most sophisticated Blue and Red Air, Surface, and Sub-surface platforms.

Development of Accelerated Product Forming Reactors

Research Opportunity Location:
China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA

Research Opportunity Description:
Thin films and microdroplets are methods of changing chemical reactions' kinetics and forcing product formation at an accelerated rate. This project will seek to examine the fundamental properties of thin films and microdroplets to see how we can better exploit these principles to build improved large-scale reactors. This project will examine thin film thicknesses, concentration of thin films, and rate of formation to determine their effect on accelerating the formation of product compared to traditional synthetic methods (round bottom flask chemistries).

Drug Detection by Field Portable Mass Spectrometry Coupled to 3D-Printed Cone Spray Ionization

Research Opportunity Description:
3D-Printed cone spray ionization (3D-PCSI) is a new mass spectrometry (MS) ionization source developed by NAWCWD for the detection of trace analytes in bulk matrices. This project will adapt 3D-PCSI-MS for the analysis of bulk drugs in the field through field portable mass spectrometers. Fentanyl is major concern as both a chemical warfare agent and a weapon of mass destruction. By adapting 3D-PCSI-MS to a field portable mass spectrometer and validating its use for drug detection, law enforcement, and the warfighter will have a rapid detection method with increased levels of sensitivity with added specificity.

Networks and Datalinks

Research Opportunity Location:
Patuxent River, MD

Research Opportunity Description:
Network Engineering Intern to assist in enhancing our network infrastructure. In this role, you'll install virtual network appliances on servers, cable network interfaces, and configure routers, switches, and firewalls. You will also integrate network encryption devices, diagram network architecture, and troubleshoot traffic flows, gaining hands-on experience in US Navy Airborne networking solutions while working alongside experienced professionals.