The Adventures of an Industrial Physicist: A Curated Tour

Abstract

This talk will give an overview of the career of an industrial physicist, whose work history covers a range of technologies from flash-lamp pumped lasers to the search for extra-solar planets and a few stops in between. Although this discussion is a sample of one, it nonetheless gives some insight into what working in industry with a physics  degree can be like, challenging, satisfying and sometimes breath taking. A few examples of problems worked in the speaker’s 44-year, and counting, career will be used to illustrate what a non-academic physics based job can be like. We will attempt to answer the question, “what does someone in industry do all day?” The talk will conclude with a short discussion on what makes for a successful career in industry and how those with physics degrees can compete in the industrial job market.

Bio

Jonathan Arenberg the Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration at Northrop Grumman. Hired by the predecessor company TRW in 1989 after having started his career with Hughes Aircraft Company from 1982. His work experience includes optical, space and laser systems, astronomical programs such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope and the Starshade concept in development for the direct imaging of extra-solar planets, which he co-invented. He has worked on major high-energy and tactical laser systems, laser component engineering, metrology and optical inspection issues.  He is a member of the US National and International (ISO) sub-committees charged with writing standards for laser and electro-optic systems and components, SPIE, American Astronomical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, AIAA and Sigma Xi. Dr. Arenberg is an SPIE visiting lecturer, journal referee, short course instructor and on several conference organizing committees. Dr. Arenberg holds a BS in physics and an MS and PhD in engineering, all from the University of California, Los Angeles.  He is the author of over 260 conference presentations, papers and book chapters,  a recent book and is a frequent public and university speaker. He holds 15 European and U.S. Patents in a wide variety of areas of technology.  Dr. Arenberg is an SPIE Fellow and an Associate Fellow of the AIAA.