Project Description

A key limit of modern satellite communication is the effects on path-loss by adverse environmental conditions. A terminal for emergency communication may be fully functional during fair weather but will fail to make link budget in cloudy and rainy conditions. The goal of this SPINtern project is to develop software that can pull real-time and historic weather patterns and calculate an accurate time variant path loss for a specific satellite in orbit. This capability is a key requirement for the CESAT project where ensuring realistic channel emulation and accurate bit error rate estimation is of key importance to users.

Over the 8 weeks, we hope you will develop your skills and understanding in:

• The applicant will get the opportunity to develop both technical skills and soft-skills, as well as gaining valuable experience of working in a technology-focussed professional work environment.

• On a technical level, the SPINtern will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of satellite communication path loss estimation and the key variables that can impact the link budget performance of a system. From this, they will be able to develop a holistic view of satellite communications, the challenges faced by on the move systems and start to develop their own ideas of how such challenges can be solved.

• Alongside an understanding of satellite technology, we also believe this work will provide the SPINtern with experience developing applications and algorithms for real world applications.

• The SPINtern will also develop the soft-skills required to work within the space industry with people with a variety of expertise and skill sets. Further, we hope they will develop the skills needed to confidently communicate and present their work to both a technical audience within the PNT team and an audience with less experience of the area.

The successful applicant will have the following skills:

• The applicant should have a good knowledge of computer programming and software development. Preferably, they would have experience with Python, but other coding languages would also be suitable.

• The applicant should also have good background knowledge of communication systems, be it satellite or terrestrial, and an awareness of link budgets and path loss.

• 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….

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.