Job Description:

This project will establish the foundational data acquisition and modelling framework required for an NTN-enabled, connectivity-aware UAV digital twin, focused on remote delivery operations. The work will integrate real flight controller telemetry and control signals with synchronised satellite and terrestrial connectivity metrics (e.g. latency, jitter, link quality, handover behaviour). The objective is to create a structured data architecture enabling correlation between UAV dynamics and NTN communication performance under realistic operational conditions. The outcome will be a validated multi-domain dataset, initial modelling constructs, and a prototype visualisation layer that collectively underpin future digital twin development for resilient, beyond visual line-of-sight UAV missions over satellite networks.

The intern will develop the foundational data acquisition and synchronisation framework required for an NTN-enabled, connectivity-aware UAV digital twin, focused on remote delivery operations at the Drone Test and Development Centre (DTDC).

The primary activities will include:

(i) interfacing with a UAV flight controller (e.g., PX4/Ardupilot) to extract telemetry and control loop data via standard protocols (e.g., MAVLink)

(ii) collecting synchronised communication performance metrics from satellite and/or terrestrial links, including latency, jitter, RSSI/SINR, packet loss, and handover behaviour and

(iii) designing a structured data architecture to time-align UAV state, control inputs, and connectivity conditions.

The intern will implement a logging and timestamping framework enabling correlation between flight dynamics and NTN communication performance under representative mission profiles. Controlled flight trials (or hardware-in-the-loop tests where required) will be conducted to generate an initial validated dataset.

Using this dataset, the intern will develop preliminary modelling constructs that demonstrate how communication degradation impacts mission stability, navigation accuracy, and delivery performance. A simple prototype visualisation layer will be created to illustrate connectivity-state coupling within a digital twin context.

The outputs will include a documented data pipeline, synchronised multi-domain dataset, initial analytical insights, and recommendations for extending the framework towards higher-fidelity digital twin development supporting NTN-enabled BVLOS operation.

The successful applicant should have the following qualities and abilities:

Through this project, the intern will develop a strong interdisciplinary skill set spanning autonomous aerial systems, satellite communications, and data-driven digital twin modelling.

Technical Skills development:

From a technical perspective, the intern will:

• Gain hands-on experience interfacing with UAV flight controllers (e.g., MAVLink-based telemetry extraction), handling real-world control and state data, and integrating communication performance metrics from terrestrial and NTN links.

• Develop practical skills in data acquisition, timestamp synchronisation, structured data architecture design, and multi-domain data fusion.

• Explore key concepts in beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, satellite-enabled connectivity, and the impact of latency, jitter, and link performance on autonomy and mission stability.

• Have the opportunity to work within both the Drone Test and Development Centre (DTDC) and the Future Networks Development Centre (FNDC), with exposure to live UAV trials, satellite and hybrid network testbeds, and real-world connectivity experimentation environments.

• Practical insight into how advanced autonomy concepts transition from research to demonstrable testbed capability.

• Strengthen programming and analytical skills (e.g., Python/MATLAB), technical documentation, experimental planning, and structured problem-solving.

• Develop professional communication and collaboration skills from working within a mission-driven innovation environment, while contributing to a strategically aligned capability for space-enabled autonomy.

Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Currently studying or recently graduated with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject.

Minimum Requirements:

• Candidates must demonstrate practical programming experience (e.g., Python or MATLAB) and confidence in data processing and analysis.

• A foundational understanding of wireless communications (e.g., latency, link quality, packet loss) and/or UAV systems is required.

• Applicants should be comfortable working in experimental environments and handling structured datasets.

• Strong analytical thinking, systematic problem solving, and clear technical communication skills are essential.

• Availability to work on-site at DTDC and FNDC at Westcott during test activities is required; this will likely involve access to your own transport.

Desirable requirements:

• Experience with hardware-based data acquisition, sensor integration, telemetry logging, or testbed experimentation would be highly advantageous.

• Familiarity with UAV platforms (e.g., PX4, Ardupilot, MAVLink), robotics middleware, or flight data analysis is beneficial.

• Exposure to satellite or non-terrestrial networks (NTN), 5G/6G systems, or network performance monitoring tools would be advantageous.

• Prior engagement with digital twin concepts, hardware-in-the-loop systems, or time-synchronised multi-domain measurements would be a strong asset.

• An interest in space-enabled autonomy and connectivity-aware control systems is desirable.

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.