Research Professional - Non Terrestrial Networks

Why this role matters

We believe this is an exciting opportunity, BT is researching the potential of Non-Terrestrial Networks to deliver broadband, mobile and specialised services beyond the reach of our fibre and cellular networks.  

This is a technical expert role in Research and Network Strategy where the individual will apply their key expertise within a clearly defined sphere of technical knowledge to complex business issues or opportunities. The role holder actively engages with colleagues to progress new research in important technical topics and supports the realisation of business value from research and innovation outputs.

For this role, we are looking for candidates with a range of NTN skills including: 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.  

We can offer an exciting range of projects to work on, collaborating with UK and global leaders in their respective fields, and with immediate relevance to our network development. 

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

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 expert: Deep technical or domain expertise. 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.