About Forge PhotonicsForge Photonics is a deep-tech startup spun out of the Physics Department at the Australian National University. We are developing a breakthrough fibre optic gyroscope (FOG) technology — drawing on optical sensing techniques pioneered in gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO) — to make navigation-grade inertial sensing commercially accessible for the first time.Our FOG is a single-axis, high-precision rotation rate sensor that combines a novel optical interferometer architecture with advanced digital signal processing (DSP). We are TRL 5 today and moving fast. The technology sits at the intersection of photonics, FPGA-based signal processing, and precision inertial navigationWe are a small, high-calibre team that works on hard technical problems. If you want to work on real hardware with immediate navigation applications— not toy projects — this is the role for you.The RoleWe are looking for a motivated engineering or physics student to join us as a Inertial Sensor Engineer (Intern/Student). You will work directly with our engineering team to develop and implement the sensor fusion algorithms that combine our FOG rotation rate output with complementary sensors to produce a full Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) output.Specifically, this work involves:MEMs gyroscope fusion: Fusing the Forge FOG axis with gyroscopes on the remaining two axes to produce a complete 3-axis angular rate solution.Accelerometer triad fusion: Integrating a 3-axis accelerometer triad with the gyroscope ensemble to produce a full 6-degree-of-freedom IMU output (angular rates + linear accelerations).Algorithm development: Implementing and tuning fusion filters (complementary filters, Kalman filters, or similar) to handle differing noise characteristics, bandwidths, and update rates across sensor types.Calibration and validation: Working with test data, Allan variance plots, and rate table measurements to characterise and validate the fused IMU output against tactical-grade performance benchmarks.Single-axis FOG integration: Our FOG provides a high-precision rotation rate measurement on one axis. You will work with this output and understand its calibration characteristics (scale factor, bias, temperature coefficients, angle random walk).What You'll Be Working TowardsThis role is part of our path to demonstrating a prototype 3-axis FOG IMU — a key milestone in our roadmap and a critical step toward commercial partnerships and product launch. Your work will directly contribute to a tangible, field-testable system.Who We're Looking ForYou are probably a final-year undergraduate or postgraduate student in:Electrical Engineering / Electronics EngineeringMechatronics EngineeringAerospace or Systems EngineeringPhysics or Applied PhysicsEssential skills and experience:Solid foundation in signals and systems, and/or control theoryProgramming in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and algorithm prototypingFamiliarity with inertial sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers) or estimation theory (Kalman filtering, complementary filters) — whether through coursework or personal projectsComfort working with real hardware and experimental data (not just simulation)Highly desirable:Some experience with embedded systems or FPGA signal processingUnderstanding of inertial navigation concepts (strapdown navigation, sensor error models)Exposure to sensor calibration techniques or Allan variance analysisExperience with serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, RS-422, UART)You will thrive here if you:Are energised by ambiguous, open-ended problems with real stakesWant to see your work go into hardware and be tested in the fieldCan work independently and communicate clearly with a small, technically demanding teamHave an interest in defence, autonomous systems, or precision instrumentationWhat We OfferHands-on work with cutting-edge photonic and inertial sensing hardwareDirect mentorship from experienced researchers with backgrounds in precision sensing, FPGA DSP, and optical systemsA genuine contribution to a commercialisation trajectory — your work mattersFlexible arrangement suited to a student scheduleExposure to the deep-tech startup ecosystem in Canberra, including ANU spin-out networks and Australian defence and industrial marketsPotential for ongoing engagement or a full-time role post-graduationHow to ApplySend a brief cover letter, CV, and academic transcript to [].In your cover letter, tell us:1. What draws you to inertial sensing or sensor fusion specifically2. Any relevant coursework, projects, or experience with estimation, sensors, or signal processing3. Your availability and study timeline