Internship | MSc internship Position, Navigation, and Timing

Today, our society has become largely dependent on Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) information derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). These systems provide accurate estimates of position and time, but are vulnerable to interference due to the weak signal strength of GNSS. In military contexts, among others, this poses a significant threat to operational effectiveness. The military needs guaranteed PNT information in all conditions and for all scenarios, but currently no single sensor system can meet this need. Instead, multiple sensors must be used to complement each other's strengths and create redundancies. As a solution, TNO's Autonomous Systems and Robotics (ASR) research group has the Timing, Orientation and Positioning Service (TOPS) software suite under development. With TOPS, a wide range of navigation sensors can be fused to ensure a robust PNT solution. The fusion engine runs real-time on various physical test platforms (e.g., the underwater platform BlueROV2) and uses state-of-the-art algorithms that are continuously improved.

The TOPS software suite is build on the mathematical theory of filtering, where one aims to extract information from noisy signals; taking into account the underlying physics of the system under consideration. As such, filtering incorporates techniques on the interface of dynamical systems, Markov processes and statistics, where physical modeling is combined with real-time updating based on real measurements.

When modeling systems in which orientation plays a role, filtering algorithms need to incorporate non-linear states and non-linear updating rules. In this project we aim to study recent scientific advances that use the structure of the quaternions to develop filtering algorithms that improve upon the standard unscented Kalman filter. The goal is increase our understanding of these novel filtering techniques and compare their performance on real data.

As an intern within the PNT team, you will bring the following capabilities:

1. A background in applied mathematics or applied physics or related area.
2. A solid base in probability theory, stochastic processes and a basic feeling for statistics.
3. Affinity for the mathematical background of curved spaces via followed courses on differential geometry or general relativity or that otherwise employ e.g. the quaternions for orientation modelling.
4. Experience with programming in e.g. Python or C++.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.