Project Description

The Agri Living Lab of the Satellite Applications Catapult is a real-world testing environment that will support organisations to innovate, co-create, demonstrate, and deliver solutions that address global agri-food challenges. The Lab is initially focusing on satellite connectivity, autonomous farming, and sensor technologies. Currently housed in the Westcott Innovation Centre before moving to its new purpose-built facility in Spring 2023, this is the first of a network of innovation centres to support the UK to become the global leader for space-enabled agriculture and supply chains. 

In the context of the Agri Living Lab, the Ubiquitous Connectivity Team (UC) of the Satellite Applications Catapult is launching a new project to enhance the battery usage of LoRaWAN nodes through data analysis and firmware modification. 

The project will focus on developing a firmware for adapting dynamically the behaviour of the nodes to optimise the energy usage, also enabling the use of remote actuators. Additionally, the applicant will work on connecting the LoRaWAN gateway to a satellite network, further expanding the range, applications, and capabilities of the sensor network. 

The project will provide opportunities for the applicant to learn about: 

• IoT hardware and embedded software development. 

• Communications technologies and networks – LoRaWAN and satellite. 

• Data analysis and optimization techniques. 

• Best practices in software development life cycle (SDLC). 

• Working with engineering teams in a R&D environment. 

• Developing energy-efficient solutions for IoT applications.  

Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in firmware development for IoT devices and embedded systems. 

• Knowledge of LoRaWAN and other wireless communication technologies. 

• Experience in data analysis and optimization techniques. 

• Familiarity with software development life cycle (SDLC) best practices. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment. 

• Experience in energy-efficient solutions for IoT applications. 

• Knowledge of satellite communications is a plus. 

• Studying or just completed a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. 

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience in working with satellite communications and networking. 

• Experience in battery management systems for IoT devices. 

• Strong analytical and data visualization skills. 

• Strong documentation and technical writing skills. 

• Familiarity with industry-standard development tools and platforms. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 

• Experience working in a R&D environment. 

Process details:

8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate. In-person Induction Event to be held on 19 June 2023, and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held at the 2023 UK Space Conference in Belfast between 21 November to 23 November.

5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust 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 any individual 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 believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.