Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Design infrared detector circuits and readout electronics for sensors that work in bands such as near-IR, short-wave, mid-wave and long-wave infrared.
Work with optical engineers on lenses, filters and windows that pass the right infrared wavelengths and block unwanted light.
Model thermal performance and noise, and choose detector materials such as silicon, InGaAs, InSb, HgCdTe or microbolometers for the target band.
Build and test prototypes in the lab, measuring sensitivity, resolution and response time against the specification.
Calibrate sensors and cameras so that temperature readings and images stay accurate across different conditions.
Run field trials, log data and fix faults found during trials, sometimes in harsh terrain or weather.
Write test reports and documentation, and follow security and export-control rules on defence projects.
