Title:

National Security Solutions (NSS) Nanoscale Vacuum Field Emission Device Research Internship

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated senior undergraduate or graduate student intern for the summer of 2025 (12-week internship) to join our research team exploring the potential of nanoscale vacuum field emission devices as an alternative to existing solid-state microelectronics technologies for a wide range of applications, including RF amplification and control, high-power switching circuits, and on-chip vacuum pressure and gas sensing.

Our research combines computational modeling and simulation with rigorous experimental work to validate predictions and expand the current state-of-the-art in lateral device topologies. We focus on both traditional and non-traditional materials systems, such as bulk thin film metals, wide bandgap semiconductors (e.g., SiC, GaN), and low-dimensional systems (e.g., heterojunction 2D-electron gas, carbon nanotubes), including surface modifications. The goal is to develop robust devices capable of low voltage, high current operation in harsh and space environments with minimal leakage and degradation.

The objectives of the research are to exceed the performance of traditional solid-state devices, ensure stable operation over long-time scales and elevated temperatures, and use geometries and materials suitable for large-scale batch fabrication and technology transition. Our modeling and simulation work involves ab initio density functional theory (DFT) predictions, multiphysics device design and optimization using semi-analytical and finite element methods, and both DC and RF circuit design.

Key Responsibilities:

Support device fabrication and/or characterization efforts within the research teamAssist with device modeling and simulation initiatives, including DFT predictions and multiphysics device optimizationContribute to both DC and RF circuit design for nanoscale vacuum field emission devicesWork on material and surface modifications to improve device performance in challenging environmentsCollaborate with the team to validate computational predictions through experimental results

Work Environment:

Location: Onsite at AFRL on Wright-Patterson AFBTravel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%; No planned travelWorking Hours: Standard 40 hours per week

Qualifications:

Required:

US Citizen: Must be a US citizen and able to pass a National Agency CheckEducation: Senior undergraduate or graduate student in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related fieldComputer Literate: must know how to use computers and software applications.

Desired:

Self-Motivated: self-motivated and able to work independently.Team-Oriented: Capable of collaborating effectively within a team environment.Communications Skills: have good communication skills, both oral and written.Strong Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions. Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.Experience: Background in semiconductor physics, device fabrication, or materials science. Familiarity with computational modeling, device simulation, RF circuits, vacuum electronics, or solid-state devices is a plus.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of air and space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.