Forge 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 navigation
We 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 Role
We 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 Towards
This 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 For
You are probably a final‐year undergraduate or postgraduate student in:
* Electrical Engineering / Electronics Engineering
* Mechatronics Engineering
* Aerospace or Systems Engineering
* Physics or Applied Physics
Essential skills and experience:
* Solid foundation in signals and systems, and/or control theory
* Programming in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and algorithm prototyping
* Familiarity with inertial sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers) or estimation theory (Kalman filtering, complementary filters) — whether through coursework or personal projects
* Comfort working with real hardware and experimental data (not just simulation)
Highly desirable:
* Some experience with embedded systems or FPGA signal processing
* Understanding of inertial navigation concepts (strapdown navigation, sensor error models)
* Exposure to sensor calibration techniques or Allan variance analysis
* Experience with serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, RS‐422, UART)
You will thrive here if you:
* Are energised by ambiguous, open‐ended problems with real stakes
* Want to see your work go into hardware and be tested in the field
* Can work independently and communicate clearly with a small, technically demanding team
* Have an interest in defence, autonomous systems, or precision instrumentation
What We Offer
* Hands‐on work with cutting‐edge photonic and inertial sensing hardware
* Direct mentorship from experienced researchers with backgrounds in precision sensing, FPGA DSP, and optical systems
* A genuine contribution to a commercialisation trajectory — your work matters
* Flexible arrangement suited to a student schedule
* Exposure to the deep‐tech startup ecosystem in Canberra, including ANU spin‐out networks and Australian defence and industrial markets
* Potential for ongoing engagement or a full‐time role post‐graduation
How to Apply
Send a brief cover letter, CV, and academic transcript to justin@forgephotonics.com.
* What draws you to inertial sensing or sensor fusion specifically
* Any relevant coursework, projects, or experience with estimation, sensors, or signal processing
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