INTERNSHIP 2021 - Design and Simulation of Next-generation Satellite Constellation Networks (m/f)

Job description

Airbus Defence and Space SAS

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2019 it generated revenues of € 70.5 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary - on the ground, in the sky and in space.

Job Description

What if you start your journey with us!

As part of a school curriculum in initial training , you are looking for a mandatory internship or integrated into a gap year , that will allow you to validate your studies. The internship duration is 4 to 6 months maximum.

We offer you to work in a world-leading company which is at the heart of a digital transformation, at the cutting edge of research and innovation.

We are looking for an Engineering student (m/f) to join us at Airbus Defence & Space in our Toulouse site and work on the Design and Simulation of Next-generation Satellite Constellation Networks .

This internship is to be filled from March 2021 (hire dates are subject to a certain flexibility).

You will integrate the team in charge of System Advanced Studies for Satellite Upstream Ground Systems. Through research and development studies, this team is at the heart of the design and architecture of next generation satellite systems and contributes to their elaboration at different stages.

Next generation satellite systems are becoming very complex and challenging, in particular, satellite mega-constellations (OneWeb with the participation of Airbus, Starlink from SpaceX, Kuiper from Amazon, etc.) but also hybrid satellite systems (mixing several kinds of satellites with different orbits) come with inherent complexity and challenges related to the inter-connection between satellites and ground (also known as network convergence issues). This requires extensive system studies before being launched and running. For cost-effectiveness reasons, and since it has proven to give reliable results, a significant part of these studies rely on simulation to perform preliminary design, validation and performance assessment of such satellite constellations.

This internship will focus on the preliminary design and simulation of a system composed of a satellite constellation that should interconnect with terrestrial networks to provide seamless Internet access to its customers. Through this concrete project-based approach, this internship will ultimately consist in the development of a satellite constellation network simulator that should be as generic as possible.

Tasks and Responsibilities :

You will be working under the supervision of your manager who will help you identify your professional objectives and support you in the development of your skills.

As the main goal of your internship is the development of a generic satellite constellation network simulator, few representative use cases will be used to provide you with context. These use cases may, for instance, include telecommunication, scientific or observation systems. Besides, they will also be used as validation test cases once the simulator is implemented.

Your main activities will include:

·  Familiarize yourself with the given use cases in order to understand what shall be modelled and to which extent,
·  Review some software “building blocks” that have already been developed internally to simulate/emulate some key features (e.g., Framework for Mission analysis and design, system resource planning) of satellite constellation systems,
·  Propose different tradeoffs that should be studied (for data and control planes),
·  Propose an architecture for a simulator that integrates and reuses as much as possible existing blocks and identify missing features that could lead to the development of new code,
·  Prioritize, make assumptions and develop these features in an Agile way,
·  By using simulation, give recommendations regarding the different tradeoffs opened,
·  Provide software documentation, user manual and guidelines,
·  Organize, plan and report the activities (work in connection with Mission and Network experts and engineers),
·  Communicate results to other team members.

Required skills :

You are preparing a Master in Engineering or equivalent with specialisation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) or Space Systems and you have the following hard skills:

·  Background in space systems and/or space operations,
·  Initial experience in research projects,
·  Working knowledge of Computer Networking, OSI model and IP routing,
·  Programming skills: Python programming language, Git versioning,
·  Software modelling language (e.g., UML),
·  Experience on network simulation/emulation and network design/architecture is a plus,
·  Knowledge of project management tools and methods would be a plus,
·  Languages : negotiation level in French and/or English.

Soft skills:

·  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
·  Able to work independently as well as in a team,
·  Proactiveness and sense of initiative,

You will develop the following skills:

-  Network technics for space contellation,

-  Manage complex stakes in a preliminary design context,

-  Manage R&D and Simulator projects.

Depending on the specifics of the offer, you may have to travel to another locations.

If your profile catches our attention, you will be invited to perform a video interview during which you will have a few minutes to tell us about your background, motivations and your professional project. Afterwards, your application could be proposed to the managers for further review.

If the prospect of joining our innovative Group motivates you do not hesitate and apply online on our website www.airbus.com/careers !

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.