Do you want to create technology that makes a difference in the world? At Applied Research Associates (ARA), we create software that improves our nation’s safety and security. ARA has been the recognized defense industry leader in augmented reality (AR) software applications for over a decade. ARA is 100% employee-owned, which means that everyone benefits from the company’s success. As a part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a unique real-world impact!

For this position we are looking for an enthusiastic science or engineering student to work and learn in our Military Operations and Systems Directorate. Our directorate is responsible for ARA’s augmented reality technology, which is used by the US Army and others to improve the situational awareness of our soldiers on the battlefield. Our AR technology provides accurate, timely information so that teams can make the right decisions and operate with enhanced safety and speed. It is not an overstatement to say that this capability will save lives, by improving coordination, decisiveness, and communication.

Specifically, we need students who are passionate about growing their engineering skills. During this internship you’ll work side by side with our engineering staff. You’ll have close collaboration with experts in mechanical, electrical, system, and algorithm design. A successful internship will involve self-study to keep pace with the team, dedication to achieving project goals, and a coachable attitude. You’ll finish the internship with a letter of reference for use with any future job applications. It is our hope that internships at ARA encourage students to envision themselves as future employee-owners after graduation.

See what we do, and read about us in the news:

• ARC4 Homepage
  • https: //www.ara.com/arc4/
• Read at ARA.com, “US Army Awards ARA Contract for It’s Cutting-Edge Augmented Reality Software”
  • https: //www.ara.com/news/us-army-awards-ara-contract-its-cutting-edge-augmented-reality-software/
• Read at Ars Technica, “Head up: Augmented reality prepares for the battlefield”
  • https: //arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/heads-up-augmented-reality-prepares-for-the-battlefield/
• WATCH on YouTube, “ARC4 Fieldcraft Series: Marking Points”
  • https: //youtu.be/ZCDpdFq_bic

Our technology:

• Embedded software written in C, C++ or Rust
• Resource-constrained systems, such as STM32 and MSP430.
• Signal processing in FPGA fabric
• Custom-built Linux OS drivers integrating embedded devices with application software
• Providing low-latency sensor data to real-time position and orientation estimation algorithms
• Multiple advanced inertial sensor calibration solutions

Our team’s interests:

• Purpose-Built Devices Our code runs on devices that people work with and wear, which comes with unique processing and resource constraints. This also means we employ multiple strategies to test our code from automated unit testing to device emulation and field testing.
• Efficient Embedded Implementations To maximize runtime and minimize power consumption, we look for ways to leverage purpose-built peripherals, distribute workloads to “right-sized” processing systems, and maximize time spent in low-power states.
• Cutting-Edge Sensor Technology We must stay up to date on the latest developments in sensing technology, from chip-scale optical gyros to near-field magnetic induction.
• Resilient North-Seeking and Geo-Location Strategies Our customers often work outdoors and need to visualize geo-registered information. Our AR technology is built from the ground up to enable efficient navigation and coordination.

Applicant Requirements:

• Must be a U.S.A. citizen. This is due to the work we perform and our interactions with the defense community.
• At least 3 years of undergraduate education (prior to starting), with course work or projects showing exposure to relevant topics.
• Able to work in-person at our Raleigh office for 10 weeks, at least 36 hours a week.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2, 309 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https: //www.ara.com/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)