About the Role

UK. Telecommunication Laboratory (UKTL)

Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G,and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.

Read more about the UKTLhere!

Successful candidates will have a unique experience working on or supporting the latest ground-breaking cyber security and networking technologies on a national and international scale. This opportunity will allow those involved to have first-hand exposure to the latest technologies via the research and development that we are undertaking to secure our telecommunications networks, in order to keep the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It also gives exposure to senior government department officials, communications industry leaders and academic professionals, all key stakeholders in the work of UKTL as you help UKTLs leaders to coordinate meetings and briefings.

As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors.

We looking for a Telecoms Architect to join our mission to provide expert industry experience in the development and evolution of our in-house telecommunications networks, from SIM to Service Platform and end to end across the entire mobile telecommunication network you’ll bring a wealth of technical expertise and network design capability, to ensure that we remain on the leading edge of our world leading capabilities. 

You will be joining our team at a pivotal time in the development of the lab  still in a “start-up” stage, as the Telecoms Architect you will have direct influence over how the lab evolves and develops, ensuring that our networks and capabilities are representative of the UK telecommunications landscape and that we remain ahead of the game when it comes to new technologies. Our goal is to provide technical and testing services to the UK telecommunication landscape to help ensure that our Critical National Infrastructure remains secure in the face of ever present and evolving security threats.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working.

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

Communication: You’ll be liaising not only with internal stakeholders, but also key stakeholders from across the Telecommunications technology spectrum nationally and internationally.

Curiosity: You’re a Technologist at heart and early adopter of new technologies, driven by a curiosity and need to know how things work. You’re excited about advancements in technologies and are not shy about breaking things down to understand how they work. You and evangelise for keeping our organisation on the cutting edge and bringing into the lab new and exciting technologies before they’re “market ready”. 

Ownership: You’ll be expected to take full ownership of the UKTL telecommunication networks High Level Designs and architecture. Leading on major new projects involving the delivery and integration of cutting-edge telecommunications technologies into our datacentre and wider infrastructure.

Horizon Scanning: You’ll be expected to keep abreast of the changes and upcoming technologies that affect the national and international telecommunications landscape, and to report on these and understand how changes in the landscape relate to the UKTL mission. 

Technology Roadmap: You’ll help to prepare and maintain strategic technology roadmaps, working with internal stakeholders to enable UKTL to stay ahead of the curve for the full range UKTL telecommunications systems. 

Essential 
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in overseeing the design and deployment of complex network systems with modern telecommunication technologies.
  • Deep understanding of 5G, Core and RAN 
  • Experience with telecommunication network integration projects 
  • Understanding of NFVI technologies and deployments. 

Desirable 

  • Familiarity with Nokia and Ericsson Telecommunication technologies 
  • Experience ensuring networks are compliant with regulatory requirements, such as Telecommunications Security Act. 
  • Experience managing a team of Telecommunication engineers, with specialties in both Core networks and RAN deployments 
  • Experience with vendor contracts and commercial agreements. 
Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.

What we offer:

  • 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employer contribution (12% employer contribution if you elect to contribute 6%)
  • Performance related pay review in 2025 (non-contractual)
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Interest free loans (Up to £5k for season ticket loans, house purchase deposit)
  • + Much more
SDC
IOP
DCC
BDF
RAW
LGBTQ+