Job Description:

This project will design, develop, and deploy a unified data collection framework for correlating UAV telemetry with 5G RAN metrics in a private network environment. The intern will build software to capture drone-side data such as battery status, GPS, flight parameters, and signal quality alongside per-UE RAN metrics from the Amarisoft gNB, including RSRP, throughput, latency, and handover events. The framework will support user-initiated collection sessions aligned to specific test flights. Outputs will inform MEC offloading strategies that extend UAV battery life and improve operational efficiency at the DTDC.

The successful intern will design and build a unified data collection framework targeting two complementary domains within a live 5G private network environment at the DTDC:

UAV-side telemetry acquisition

• Develop a software module to capture battery status, GPS positioning, flight parameters, and signal quality indicators from UAV platforms via standardised, non-intrusive interfaces (e.g. MAVLink, drone manufacturer SDKs).

• Ensure compatibility across common drone platforms used within the Catapult test environment.

5G RAN-side data extraction

• Build an extraction pipeline integrated with the Amarisoft gNB infrastructure to capture per-UE metrics: RSRP/RSRQ, throughput, latency, handover events, and resource block utilisation.

• Implement per-UE isolation to attribute RAN metrics unambiguously to individual connected drones.

Framework integration & analysis

• Design a user-initiated session model enabling operators to trigger data acquisition aligned to specific test flights or mission profiles.

• Correlate UAV and RAN datasets to build a baseline characterising drone–network interactions under representative flight conditions.

• Conduct preliminary analysis identifying candidate workloads and decision points suitable for MEC offloading to extend UAV battery life

The successful applicant should have the following qualities and abilities:

This internship addresses a specialist technical challenge. An ideal candidate may have some of the following skills, but an ability to take on development opportunities and an interest in the subject area is the underpinning requirement for applications for this role.

Technical skills

• 5G RAN architecture and private network operation. Hands-on experience with a live Amarisoft gNB deployment.

• UAV communication protocols and interfaces, applied to real drone platforms.

• Data pipeline design: ingestion, timestamping, correlation, and storage of multi-source telemetry streams.

• Software development best practices: Python, version control (Git), modular architecture, and documentation.

• Experimental methodology: designing repeatable test scenarios, managing data quality, and building representative datasets.

Human skills

• Technical communication - translating complex system behaviour into clear documentation and a final presentation to stakeholders.

• Project planning and self-management within a structured but dynamic research environment.

• Collaborative working across connectivity, UAV operations, and infrastructure engineering disciplines.

• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning when interpreting telemetry data and deriving offloading insights.

Academic requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Computer Science, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a closely related field.

• Solid foundations in software development, networking concepts, or embedded/systems programming.

Minimum requirements

• Proficiency in Python (data processing, scripting, API interaction).

• Familiarity with version control (Git) and command-line environments.

• Understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, client-server architecture).

Desirable requirements

• Exposure to 5G, LTE, or wireless communications - academic coursework or personal projects welcome.

• Experience with UAV platforms, drone SDKs, or MAVLink protocol.

• Familiarity with time-series data handling, data logging, or telemetry pipelines.

• Interest in edge computing, MEC, or real-time systems.

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

How we work at Satellite Applications Catapult….

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of anyone providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult. If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.