UK - Orbital Refuelling Robotics Engineering Internship

About the Internship

Orbit Fab is developing an active refuelling interface called GRASP which acts as the key mechanism for delivering fuel to clients on orbit. This component would enable UK built (and potentially UK launched) fuel shuttle vehicles to perform in‑space refuelling thus fulfilling this critical piece of space infrastructure technology.

To test GRASP in a representative environment, OFL seeks to model and perform 3DOF testing to mimic the dynamics of a docking scenario between incident spacecraft. The project to be undertaken will involve supporting the development of GRASP through such tests through a combination of the following and/or other skills to be developed through the course of this internship:

• Computer modelling of spacecraft docking interactions
• Validation of simulation results using previously gathered test data
• Development of ‘digital twin’ in MuJoCo, Isaac Sim or Gazebo for space mechanisms
• Data analysis of satellite docking interactions
• Contributing to the design and improvement of space mechanism products
• Skills in technical documentation and report writing

A successful applicant

• You should have built something, either software or hardware. We’d love it if that something has flown in space or been used by a customer!
• You are currently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in a technical discipline especially in the skillsets listed above.
• You have a demonstrated passion and capacity for hardware or software development, working in fast‑paced environments and hands‑on design and development from any maturity.
• You share our appreciation for a diversity of thoughts, background and experiences, helping us all learn from each other and make smarter decisions.
• You are a UK citizen or have the right to work in the UK.

Minimum Requirements for the role

• Have experience with Python and/or C++
• Have experience with or ability to quickly learn one or more of the following software: Isaac Sim (preferred), MuJoCo, Gazebo
• Available to be in person at Harwell, Oxfordshire, for a minimum of 3 days a week.
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with external suppliers, other engineers, other interns, and managers.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic professional setting with changing needs and requirements.

Bonus Requirements

• Have experience with git or other version control software’s such as SVN
• Have experience with docker or other containerization services
• Have experience with ROS2

The successful candidate will be paid the 2026 Real Living Wage, for a minimum 8 week placement with Orbit Fab

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London.

Candidate must have right to work in the UK.

Orbit Fab is an equal opportunity employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive place in which our talent can thrive. As such, Orbit Fab does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non‑merit factor or any other protected characteristic or protected category recognised by the law of jurisdictions in which we operate. All hiring and recruitment decisions made at Orbit Fab are subject to Orbit Fab’s compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

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