Network Design Specialist [Mobile Backhaul]

Recruiter: Daniel McCarthy 

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 30/11/25

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.

Why this job matters

The Mobile Backhaul Network is the backbone of connectivity for EE Mobile, BT Mobile, and the Emergency Services Network (ESN), carrying traffic from mobile base stations to the Core Network. It combines fibre, point-to-point microwave, and satellite backhaul, with increasing use of access DWDM and edge routing. As traditional backhaul evolves into fronthaul, we’re pushing the boundaries of network design to support next-generation services like 5G and beyond.

In this strategic role, you’ll design mobile access networks that are robust, scalable, and easy to maintain—ensuring high availability and performance. Working closely with Principal Designers, Transmission Managers, and Router teams, you’ll help deliver solutions that keep BT at the forefront of ESN reliability and 5G rollout. This is a critical position with multiple business areas relying on your expertise to provide secure, resilient backhaul solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design backhaul solutions for macro cellular networks and bespoke projects.
• Create designs compatible with multiple RAN vendors, Openreach products, and 21CN.
• Collaborate with Backhaul Design and deployment teams to ensure end-to-end solution integrity.
• Assess risks and support operational teams in resolving transmission-related faults.
• Contribute to network evolution strategies alongside architecture teams.

Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of routing and switching across multiple vendors (including VRFs and eBGP).
• Understanding of network security requirements (driven by TSA).
• Proven troubleshooting skills and ability to produce high-quality technical documentation.
• Experience in mobile/fixed telecoms design or planning for high-availability networks.
• Exposure to 5G, LTE, LTE-A, and related transport requirements.
• Hands-on experience in router/switch network design and lab connectivity.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and deliver products into production.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

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.