Overview
Research Professional – Non Terrestrial Networks (Ipswich (4405), Ipswich, United Kingdom)
Why this role matters
BT is at the forefront of exploring how Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) – including satellite and High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) systems – can extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional fibre and cellular networks. We’re looking for a technically skilled and curious individual to join our Research and Network Strategy team.
This is a hands-on technical role where you’ll apply your expertise to cutting-edge research, helping shape BT’s future technology choices and business decisions.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your day-to-day activities will include:
Desk-based research and technical analysis
Computer simulation and system modelling
Real-world experiments and trials using live satellite and HAPS systems
Working on commercial and experimental systems delivering broadband, mobile, IoT, QKD, and Earth-space optical services
You’ll also have opportunities to:
Lead projects and influence strategic decisions
Patent innovations, publish research, and present at industry conferences
Collaborate with leading global satellite and HAPS providers
Gain hands-on experience integrating NTN technologies with terrestrial networks
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from recent graduates or experienced professionals with relevant technical skills. Ideal candidates will have knowledge or experience in:
Wireless and satellite networks
Optical and quantum propagation
Modulation and coding
Networking protocols
End-to-end system and service modelling
Trial platform development and operation
Why Join BT?
BT offers a unique opportunity to work across the full spectrum of satellite and HAPS technologies. You’ll be part of a team that takes ideas from concept to market, with direct impact on the future of connectivity.
We offer:
A collaborative and innovative research environment
Access to exciting projects with UK and global leaders
A chance to shape the future of NTN and influence BT’s strategic direction
You'll have the following responsibilities
• Managing research projects/tasks, both internal to Research and Network Strategy and with collaborative partners.
• Domain expert responsible for maintaining expertise in a specific technical domain.
• Responsible for intellectual property creation, managing patent filing in their team and supporting IPR exploitation where appropriate
• Accountable for defining and performing research in a specific domain (i.e. Non-Terrestrial Networks) or area that is typically unknown, complex, high impact and high value across multiple domains.
• Responsible for authoring thought leadership technical papers, capturing intellectual property
• Supervision of graduate and post-graduate student placements and secondments
You'll have the following skills and experience
Skills
• Technical domain knowledge: . They continually develop their expertise in a key technical area so they are recognised as a technical expert in that domain
• Qualifications: Strong academic record in technology specialism, qualified to degree level and may hold a post-graduate qualification
• Expert communicator: Regularly presents to peers and managers about their research and area of technical expertise
• Experienced in open innovation: Skilled in patenting, technical publications, conference presentations etc.
• Storytelling with data: strong skills in building the case for change, drawing on data and analytical techniques where appropriate, and communicating this to business audiences
• Concept Evaluation: ability to spot relevant innovations, horizon scanning, determine relevance for the business, develop an effective conceptualisation and build trials to test the concept
Experience
• Technical domain knowledge and skills: evidence of significant knowledge and skill relevant to Non-Terrestrial Networks, including:
o NTN system types (satellite, HAPS), use-cases, and typical system and service performance characteristics (MANDATORY)
o NTN end-to-end system architecture and design trade-off options, constraints and implications (MANDATORY)
o RF technologies and techniques including propagation characteristics, impairment types and mitigations, modulation and coding (MANDATORY)
o Related technology areas including one or more of: free-space optical transmission; quantum communications; Software Defined Networking & Network Function Virtualisation; network & service management; network interfaces and standards; simulation tools and techniques (DESIRABLE)
• Significant delivery: evidence of significant business impact through delivery of research
• Stakeholder management: evidence of managing project stakeholders at a variety of seniority levels
• Innovative Thinker: ability to spot and identify new innovations and act to capitalise and create value
• Commercial Applicability: understanding the business case principals and able to build a value proposition
• Self-starter: pro-actively working with minimal guidance
• Problem solving: intellectually curious, comfortable taking ownership and responsibility
• Team working: confident operating in team environments with an enthusiasm for collaboration and building a network of expertise
Benefits
• 10% on target bonus
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks carer’s leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes
Our leadership standards
Looking in:
Leading inclusively and Safely
I inspire and build trust through self-awareness, honesty and integrity.
Owning outcomes
I take the right decisions that benefit the broader organisation.
Looking out:
Delivering for the customer
I execute brilliantly on clear priorities that add value to our customers and the wider business.
Commercially savvy
I demonstrate strong commercial focus, bringing an external perspective to decision-making.
Looking to the future:
Growth mindset
I experiment and identify opportunities for growth for both myself and the organisation.
Building for the future
I build diverse future-ready teams where all individuals can be at their best.
About us
BT Group was the world’s first telco and our heritage in the sector is unrivalled. As home to several of the UK’s most recognised and cherished brands – BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet, we have always played a critical role in creating the future, and we have reached an inflection point in the transformation of our business.
Over the next two years, we will complete the UK’s largest and most successful digital infrastructure project – connecting more than 25 million premises to full fibre broadband. Together with our heavy investment in 5G, we play a central role in revolutionising how people connect with each other.
While we are through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, meaning we can reward our shareholders for their commitment and patience, we are absolutely focused on how we organise ourselves in the best way to serve our customers in the years to come. This includes radical simplification of systems, structures, and processes on a huge scale. Together with our application of AI and technology, we are on a path to creating the UK’s best telco, reimagining the customer experience and relationship with one of this country’s biggest infrastructure companies.
Change on the scale we will all experience in the coming years is unprecedented. BT Group is committed to being the driving force behind improving connectivity for millions and there has never been a more exciting time to join a company and leadership team with the skills, experience, creativity, and passion to take this company into a new era.
A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:
Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.
We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.
DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?
Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway – you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.
