Research Professional - Non Terrestrial Networks
Why this role matters
BT is at the forefront of exploring how Non‑Terrestrial Networks (NTN) – including satellite and High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) systems – can extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional fibre and cellular networks. We’re looking for a technically skilled and curious individual to join our Research and Network Strategy team.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your day‑to‑day activities will include:
* Desk‑based research and technical analysis
* Computer simulation and system modelling
* Real‑world experiments and trials using live satellite and HAPS systems
* Working on commercial and experimental systems delivering broadband, mobile, IoT, QKD, and Earth‑space optical services
You'll also have opportunities to:
* Lead projects and influence strategic decisions
* Patent innovations, publish research, and present at industry conferences
* Collaborate with leading global satellite and HAPS providers
* Gain hands‑on experience integrating NTN technologies with terrestrial networks
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from recent graduates or experienced professionals with relevant technical skills. Ideal candidates will have knowledge or experience in:
* 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
Responsibilities and Duties
* 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 the team and supporting IPR exploitation where appropriate.
* Accountable for defining and performing research in a specific domain (i.e. Non‑Terrestrial Networks) 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.
Skills
* Technical domain knowledge – continuously developing expertise in a key technical area so they are recognised as a technical expert.
* 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.
* Experience 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
* Evidence of significant knowledge and skill relevant to Non‑Terrestrial Networks, including NTN system types (satellite, HAPS), use‑cases, and typical system and service performance characteristics (MANDATORY).
* NTN end‑to‑end system architecture and design trade‑off options, constraints and implications (MANDATORY).
* RF technologies and techniques including propagation characteristics, impairment types and mitigations, modulation and coding (MANDATORY).
* Related technology areas such as 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 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: 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate.
* 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.
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