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Research Manager - Wireless Transmission

Job Req ID:  49844
Posting Date:  8 Aug 2025
Function:  Product & Propositions
Unit:  Networks
Location: 

Ipswich (4405), Ipswich, United Kingdom

Salary:  Competitive with great benefits

Who we are

 

BT’s Wireless Research Team is at the forefront of innovation in radio access and Wi-Fi networks. We explore the applications of fundamental and emerging technologies that boost performance, energy efficiency, and architectural flexibility - while also investigating entirely new services that wireless networks can enable.
Our research includes:


•    Advanced modelling and simulation
•    Lab testing of cutting-edge technologies like SU/MU-MIMO and active antenna systems, Wi-Fi channel access mechanisms, or packet scheduling RAN Slicing
•    Radio channel measurements and real-world trials

This role can be based in Bristol or Ipswich and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week.

What you'll be doing

 

You’ll lead team effort in development of simulation, lab and data capabilities to deliver high-quality technical analysis of cutting-edge technologies in RAN and WiFi. You will trial and apply AI and machine learning to radio access networks, using real-world network data (including physical layer and performance metrics) to uncover deep insights and propose technical innovations. Your work will directly inform the evolution and optimisation of BT’s networks.


You’ll also:
•    Collaborate with world-class researchers and technical experts
•    Drive novel contributions in both cellular and Wi-Fi domains, including global standards
•    Deliver tangible impact on BT’s future network strategies

What we're looking for

 

We’d love to hear from you if you have the following:


•    Experience leading large research projects, equivalent of 5+ years in an industrial or applied research environment. An MSc or PhD in Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related fields
•    Strong understanding of the radio physical layer in LTE, NR or WiFi - whether from a Tier 1 vendor, mobile network operator, or applied academic research. 
•    A passion for and experience in AI/ML applications in wireless networks
•    Experience guiding or coordinating technical teams toward successful outcomes
•    Self-confidence, can-do-attitude, willingness to learn and develop. Focus on how to make things work, ability to work your way through complex problems.

 

Bonus points if you also bring:
•    Experience with data engineering for AI/ML: data quality, infrastructure, and pipelines
•    Hands-on experience with testing and evaluating models and algorithms, RF measurements and test automation
•    Familiarity with lab tools such as spectrum analysers, VNAs, SDRs, channel emulators, FPGAs, or chipset logging systems
•    Proficiency in using Linux and Windows systems. Ability to solve everyday problems and write scripts as needed
•    Experience with source code version control using GIT

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.

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