Network Design Small Cells, Specialist

Recruiter: Daniel McCarthy

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 10/10/25

Location: London or Bristol

With over 175 years of heritage, BT is now the flagship business brand of BT Group. We’ve brought together our best people and capabilities into a B2B powerhouse serving 1.2 million business customers internationally.

We’re a global leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from big household names and government departments, right through to sole traders and new start-ups. But it’s not just the technology that matters, it’s what it can do to help them build stronger, smarter, more secure businesses.

We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive.

As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best. With millions of businesses relying on us daily, joining BT means you can be part of a diverse and multi-skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.

Why this job matters
This role is accountable for:
The RAN system and feature design and performance of small cells and complementary solutions in the EE network, develop the radio requirements, work closely with the wider project team through to trials and deliver the solutions to full operational status.

• Engagement with BT stakeholders to define the high level mobility strategies across all RAN technologies and solutions.
• Representing BT-EE in external forums and working with wider BT teams to define BT technical requirements in Neutral Host engagements, review the proposed solutions from Neutral Hosts and establish guidelines for deployments.
• The role requires the ability to work in close collaboration with RAN Solution Design and Architect teams to determine technical requirements and track progress to ensure they align with business priorities.

This role has a direct impact and influence on:

• Influencing RAN vendor and Neutral Hosts developments
• Technical specifications and requirements for new solutions.

What you’ll be doing – your accountabilities

• Design authority for small cells and complementary solutions, owner of RAN design of systems and features including:
• Design and integrate new solutions into BT network, take the solutions through the RAN NPI process and achieve full operational status. 
• Develop and document the high level design to establish the test strategy with BT Testbed, working with Test Managers to complete lab validation of new solutions.
• Establish the low level feature and parameter design, provide the configuration and deployment guidelines to the wider RAN teams.
• Define the performance criteria for the new solution to Transfer to Operations into BAU process
• Complete all regulatory and security assessments with supporting evidence and documents.
• Establish the Technical Review Meeting with vendors to regularly review and update the technical requirements, track any issues/enhancements.
• Engage with BT stakeholders such as Principal Architects and Designers to define the high level mobility strategies across all RAN technologies and solutions. Establish the process to document and update any changes.
• Support Neutral Host initiatives, review design proposals from 3rd party Neutral Host providers and establish guidelines for various aspects of design, acceptance and operational processes.
• Attend industry forums such as JOTS, collaborate with BT internal teams to confirm BT technical requirements and that they are included in technical specifications.
• Support RFI & RFP activities, including requirements definition, vendor assessment and technical negotiation. 
• Provide technical support and expertise to wider BT teams including BT Business and Special Projects.

The skills you’ll need to succeed
Provide detailed information on any qualifications, technical expertise, or security clearance that you will need for the job. 
•    Mandatory

• Strong understanding and experience of 4G and 5G RAN.
• Experience of RAN products and solutions.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of NG-RAN / O-RAN architectures.
• An analytical thinker able to undertake complex tasks, weigh the pros and cons of options and alternatives and provide reasoned recommendations.
• Knowledge of evolving industry trends.
• A good understanding of the processes to develop, optimise and operate a mobile network.

•    Preferred

• Experience of Small Cells RAN products and solutions.
• Proficient and adaptable with respect to scripting languages (Python, VBA, R, Perl, etc.)

•    BPSS Security Clearance will be required.

Experience you’d be expected to have
MANDATORY:

• Extensive experience in the mobile telecommunications industry in the role of a lead designer with business-critical, high-availability / high-throughput systems and networks.
• Able to provide technical solutions, processes definition for mobility design.
• In depth knowledge of Mobile Network Design.

PREFFERRED:

• Knowledge of multiple vendor products and features including Nokia and Ericsson.
• Experience of managing relationships with suppliers and third parties.

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.