Research Specialist - Mechanical Engineer

Why this role matters

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 someone with a mechanical engineering background that can design, rapidly prototype and develop simple and effective solutions.

This role will require the successful candidate to work across a programme of work in the smart tooling and robotics space.

Excellent communication skills will be required to work with project partners and develop specifications to manufacture solutions at scale.

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

You'll have the following responsibilities

You’ll play a pivotal role leading the mechanical design, prototyping, and deployment of advanced tools and robotic systems. Your work will directly impact how we manage cable handling, excavation, and access to confined spaces—making operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.

In addition

• Applies mechanical engineering principles to develop and refine tools and devices used in physical infrastructure operations, including cable handling, excavation, and confined space access.

• Conducts testing and validation of mechanical prototypes in lab and field environments, iterating designs based on performance and feedback.

• Manages a complex Smart Tools and Robotics (STaR) research projects, ensuring alignment with and contribution to the overall maturity of the research strategy.

• Prototyping of new ideas, helping teams develop approaches and methods from previous experience, championing adoption of lessons learned within the team.

• Coordinates partnerships and engagements with downstream BT Group engineering teams to solve problems and identify trends and opportunities.

• Initiates and leads collaborative projects through consortia creation, proposal submission, execution and closure.

• Implements ways to improve working processes within the STaR area of research.

• Delivers and implements Field Engineering change initiatives and transformation activities that contribute to heightened customer experience.

• Champions and shares with team knowledge on emerging trends and changes in STaR technologies.

• Brings to light new field challenges based on field research.

You'll have the following skills and experience

Skills

• Mechanical Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in the design and development of physical systems and tools.

• CAD Design Proficiency: Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent CAD software for mechanical design, simulation, and documentation.

• Rapid Prototyping: Hands-on experience with prototyping techniques including 3D printing, machining, and iterative design processes to accelerate development cycles.

• Metal Work and Fabrication: Practical skills in metalworking, cutting, and forming, with an understanding of material properties and structural integrity.

• Electromechanical Systems: Familiarity with integrating mechanical components with electronics, including sensors, actuators, and embedded systems for smart tool development.

• Technical domain expert: evidence of significant knowledge and skills relevant to Smart Tools and Robotics, including.

• Qualifications: Mechanical engineering degree (Beng/MEng), HNC/HND or strong academic record in a STEM subject and/or significant equivalent domain research experience.

• Expert communicator: Regularly presents to peers and managers about their research and area of technical expertise

• 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

• Problem solving, intellectually curious, comfortable taking ownership and responsibility. (MANDATORY)

• Self-starter, pro-actively working with minimal guidance. (MANDATORY)

• Significant delivery: evidence of significant business impact through delivery of research and development.

• Innovative Thinker: ability to spot and identify new innovations and act to bring them in and capitalise and create value (MANDATORY)

• Commercial Applicability: understanding the business case principals around relevant innovations and the real value to the business through value proposition build (MANDATORY)

• Stakeholder management: evidence of managing project stakeholders across a variety of grade and seniority levels. (PREFERRED)

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.