Strategy & Policy Development
ETC develops targeted strategies and policies that underpin investments in national security and defense technology areas. Collaborating with DoD stakeholders to ensure that defense strategies are forward-looking, resilient, and aligned with national security objectives, ETC supports the DoD in maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
National Energetics Plan - Energetics Campaign
In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, ETC remains committed to supporting the Department of Defense’s requirements for new energetic systems. As required by the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, ETC performed a comprehensive energetic materials enterprise study with an array of subject matter experts. This study’s goal was to deliver a strategic plan for the U. S. military to maintain technological superiority in energetics and energetic based systems critical to our national security. Contact us to learn more. ETC Study can be downloaded here:
Engineering & Analysis
ETC’s engineering and analysis capabilities originally focused on advancing energetics technologies, but have grown to include robotics and autonomy, machine discovery, advanced manufacturing, and modeling. Regardless of application, ETC clients have come to expect deep insight and a commitment to on-time, on-budget delivery of projects.
AI/ML for Energetics Systems
ETC is developing machine-assisted discovery and awareness based automated tools in support of scientists and engineers dedicated to the development of new energetic materials and weapon systems. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms developed by ETC will accelerate engineering and design programs for new energetic systems.
Chemical Supply Network Analysis
ETC performs supply chain risk analysis for critical chemicals and energetic materials. The supply chain stability of critical energetic materials (propellants, explosives, & pyrotechnics), their precursors, and the reagents required to produce them is of critical importance to the strength and resilience of the US defense industrial base, military operational effectiveness, and overall national security.
Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
ETC assists the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) with the execution of research and development efforts in Micro-electromechanical (MEMs) systems; and experimental efforts focused on understanding the fundamental nature and performance of energetic materials.
Advanced Manufacturing
ETC conducts research and provides support to manufacturers utilizing new and innovative technologies for processing energetics and energetic subsystems. ETC’s subject matter expertise in energetics manufacturing assists in modernizing plants through digital transformation, quality control data analysis, process development, and the transition to utilizing automated technologies.
System Modeling & Design
ETC utilizes advanced modeling and simulation techniques in
support of analyzing missile performance and trajectory, safety considerations,
and other various mission requirements. ETC leverages subject matter expertise
to assist in the design and development of warhead and propulsion subsystems.
STEM Education
One-quarter of computer science jobs in the Department of Defense go chronically unfilled. The existing national shortage of computer science talent is expected to increase; the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2026, the shortage of developers in the United States will exceed 1.2 million. For our nation’s security, it is imperative to develop local science and engineering talent. ETC is at the forefront of creating sustainable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) ecosystems that support rapid delivery of proven curricula, particularly in underserved communities.
ETC welcomes the opportunity to provide STEM and workforce development support to government agencies and communities. Please contact us to discuss how ETC can help you.
RoboMasterminds
Catapult Challenge
The Catapult Challenge is a hands-on class that provides middle school students the opportunity to develop their scientific and engineering skills. Students will learn physics and engineering principles, computer aided design (CAD) and 3D printing methodologies to meet the ultimate Catapult Challenge.
- When: January 7-28, 2025 (Tuesdays)
- Time: Tuesday 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Where: ETC headquarters , 4445 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, MD, 20640
NETAP
The Naval Energetics Technology Apprenticeship Program (NETAP) provides rising high school juniors and seniors an internship to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and engineering skills. Student will learn to design and build a remote-control underwater vehicle (ROUV). Over the course of the 3-week program, students will learn to use power tools, solder circuits and program in Python to improve upon a standard SeaPerch build to compete for best design and fastest to complete the underwater challenge. The NETAP program is led by ETC staff and scientists/engineers from Naval Surface Warfare Center – Indian Head Division. Students will learn about NSWC programs and future career opportunities in the Navy.
For more information: netap@etcmd.com
ETC TechTerns
ETC manages several internship programs that create opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to perform real work in their field of interest. ETC’s interns are teamed with ETC employees who provide technical and professional mentoring. These internships may be hosted at DoD sites such as the Robotics Research Collaboration Campus at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), or at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD).
AEOP GEMS
Each year, ETC develops curriculum and execute summer programs for the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) at the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command U.S. Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL). ETC’s GEMS III programs provides rising 9th – 12th grade students the opportunity to interact with scientists and engineers to explore essential research areas related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers. If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn more about STEM topics and careers, apply to GEMS.
Robotics
Students entering 9th-11th grade will learn to design, build and program SumoBots that navigate and battle in a fun competition format with other robot teams. SumoBots are small autonomous robots that use sensors to detect each other. In “battle,” they “fight” to push the opponent robot out of a competition ring. During this hands-on STEM program, students will work in small groups of three under the guidance of Near-Peer Mentors and Teachers. Classes will be hosted at the Army Research Laboratory’s Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2) in Middle River, MD.
For more information: https://www.usaeop.com/program/aberdeen/
Computer Science Principles
Students entering 9th-12th grade will investigate computer science principles, develop basic algorithms, learn Python programming language and explore how computing and technology can impact the world.
For more information: https://www.usaeop.com/program/aberdeen/
Cyber SyncED
Students entering 9th – 12th grade will immerse themselves in the world of cybersecurity during a one-week interactive STEM program. Join us for an exciting week of hands-on learning, where participants will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity and engage in real-world simulations, master cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with Cyber experts to develop practical skills in protecting digital systems.
For more information: https://www.usaeop.com/program/adelphi/
Navigate the Future
Navigate the Future sponsored by the National Defense Education Program provides experiential learning opportunities in computer science, robotics, and biotechnology to Tribal schools in the San Juan School District in Utah. ETC develops and delivers curriculum in computer science, robotics and life skills to cohorts of high school students each summer. Now in its third year, several graduates of the program will be interning at the ARL, mentored by ETC in robotics.
For more information: https://webassets.aihec.org/Initiatives/STEM/FTF/Pages/default.aspx
Navigate the Future Program brings STEM to Whitehorse High School in Montezuma Creek, Utah
Funded by the National Defense Education Program, Navigate the Future is designed to inspire Native American students to seek STEM academic and career paths that support our Nation’s defense. The computer science, engineering and robotics curriculum designed and delivered by Energetics Technology Center (ETC) is rarely available in Tribal high schools. Gaining proficiency in these technical areas will lay the groundwork for student academics and skills alignment for future Department of Defense (DOD). On June 5 – 16, 2023, ETC’s Virginia To and Selena Hamilton taught computer science, engineering, robotics and life skills to 30 Navajo students in Whitehorse High School in Montezuma Creek, Utah. At the close of the program, ETC presented to students solar powered rechargeable batteries to charge their devices during the summer months while away from school, when access to electricity is challenging. ETC will continue working with these student throughout the academic year and will return to Whitehorse High School in June 2024 for another summer camp.
Read an article about the program at https://www.army.mil/article/271965.
For more information: https://webassets.aihec.org/Initiatives/STEM/FTF/Pages/default.aspx
STEM to Go
ETC provides experiential learning programs in robotics, coding and engineering to elementary and middle schools. We work closely with principals and educators to plan special programs that best suits their needs and augments their curriculum. ETC provides all supplies and equipment for the program we deliver at the schools.
For more information email: stem@etcmd.com
Field Trips
In partnership with the Army Research Laboratory, ETC hosts field trips to their Robotics Research Collaboration Campus in Middle River, MD. Students will be introduced to robotics research conducted by the Army, enjoy an outdoor tour, and participate in experiential learning programs in robotics, coding and engineering. We welcome school visits and Scouts. Scouts can complete some of their merit badge requirements while visiting.
For more information email: stem@etcmd.com
Technology Ecosystem Development
ETC excels in developing technology ecosystems that drive economic growth and support technical collaboration. These systems include startups, established companies, academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits and are designed to not only meet today’s challenges but anticipate and adapt to future technology shifts.
R2C2
Through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), ETC supports a variety of ARL’s programs, including ARL’s Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2) located at Grace’s Quarters, MD. Our mission is to help ARL build a national ecosystem for partnership engagement which leverages opportunities to host research teams from military, academic, and industry partners.
BESt START
The Basic Energy Science to (BESt) St. Thomas Applied Renewable Technologies (START) program is a joint effort between the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory, the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, and the Energetics Technology Center. ETC is building the ecosystem and expanding the workforce to accelerate the development and commercialization of energy technologies in the private sector to help the Army improve energy resiliency and tactical self-sufficiency.
FastFORWARD
Indian Head FastFORWARD is an ecosystem that cultivates energetic science and technology. The focus is to support both the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division and the economic development and revitalization of the Town of Indian Head, Maryland.