Job Description:

This internship project investigates how multiple receivers observing satellite positioning signals in a LEO NTN environment can cooperate to improve localisation accuracy. Individual receivers may experience weak signal strength, limited visibility, or unfavourable geometry. By sharing and combining time-of-arrival measurements from one or more satellites, positioning performance may be enhanced. Although cooperative positioning is well established in principle, its evaluation for NTN downlink signals within a simple and reproducible framework remains limited. The internship will demonstrate when and how receiver cooperation provides measurable positioning gains.

The intern will develop a simulation framework to study cooperative positioning using multiple receivers in an NTN scenario.

The project will begin with a short literature review covering basic downlink positioning principles (such as time-of-arrival estimation) and cooperative localisation concepts.

The intern will then:

• Model a simplified LEO satellite geometry and receiver configuration.

• Generate timing measurements at multiple spatially separated receivers under realistic noise conditions.

• Define a scenario in which some receivers have known position (anchors) while one or more receivers require position estimation.

• Combine measurements at a central unit using a straightforward fusion approach (e.g. weighted least squares).

• Evaluate how positioning accuracy changes with the number of receivers, number of satellites, receiver geometry and signal quality.

The emphasis will be on understanding system behaviour and performance trends rather than implementing a detailed communication stack. The final outcome will be clear performance comparisons demonstrating the potential benefit of cooperative reception.

The successful applicant should have the following qualities and abilities:

This internship will develop skills in this area. Any demonstration of interest, willingness to learn and/or application of the following activities would be encouraged in your application.

Technical Skills:

• Modelling satellite-based positioning signals.

• Time-of-arrival based localisation concepts.

• Basic data fusion and estimation methods.

• Running simulations and analysing statistical results.

Human Skills:

• Literature review and technical reading skills.

• Structured project planning and milestone management.

• Clear reporting and presentation of technical results.

Analytical thinking in system-level problem solving.

The project offers a balanced introduction to positioning and wireless system modelling without requiring detailed prior knowledge of NTN standards.

Academic background:

Final-year undergraduate or MSc student in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.

Required:

• Basic knowledge of signals and systems.

• Familiarity with linear algebra.

• Some programming experience in MATLAB, Python or similar environment.

• Interest in wireless or satellite systems.

Desirable:

• Introductory understanding of positioning concepts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently with structured supervision.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

No prior experience with NTN systems or 5G standards is required. The project is designed to be accessible and achievable within the internship duration.

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.