Access Engineer

Join the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) and play a critical role in strengthening the security, interoperability, and resilience of the UK’s telecoms ecosystem. We are looking for a skilled and inquisitive Access Engineer with strong experience in fixed and mobile access systems to support cutting-edge testing and validation work.

About the Role

In this role, you’ll work across a range of telecoms technologies, supporting the integration, testing, and validation of Devices Under Test (DUTs) alongside associated systems and tools. You’ll contribute to the review of supplier designs and ensure that testing outputs are robust, well-documented, and aligned with UKTL’s security and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the review of supplier designs, and the integration, acceptance, testing, maintenance and operation of devices and systems under test
• Build, integrate and support access Devices Under Test, including RF systems and test environments
• Assist with Radio Access Network (RAN) installation activities, ensuring user equipment (UEs) readiness
• Develop, document and execute test cases and test strategies, ensuring clarity on scope, limitations, and impact
• Record and analyse test results, producing clear insights and recommendations for security, standards, and policy
• Diagnose and resolve connectivity, hardware and software issues within test environments
• Perform regular RF sweeps, ensuring compliance with safety thresholds and escalating where required
• Provision and manage SIM configurations across different core network identities
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure meaningful interoperability testing and sufficient coverage
• Represent UKTL at industry and standards events, championing secure-by-design principles
• Support continuous improvement of processes aligned to UKTL’s security posture
•  Coordinate cross-team and project activities

What We’re Looking For

• Strong knowledge of 4G/5G radio technologies, SIMs, UEs, and fixed access systems (NTN experience desirable)
• Experience with Kubernetes container environments and OpenStack-based hypervisors
• Proficiency with test tools and environments, including administration and troubleshooting
• Hands-on experience in functional testing, analysis, and reporting
• Strong problem-solving skills with proven fault-finding methodologies
• Experience working in Agile environments, with sprint planning and delivery tracking

Experience or awareness of 4G/5G core architectures and security testing techniques is desirable; we actively support upskilling and will provide training to help you build these capabilities

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. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

• UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. 

  Read more about UKTL here!

  Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.

  As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

  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. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

  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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

  We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 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.