Research Specialist - 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 includes evaluating the new generation of LEO satellite systems and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), working with partners to develop integrated network solutions, building and performing trials and demonstration.

For this role, we are looking for candidates with a range of NTN skills including: RF, optical and quantum propagation; modulation and coding; networking protocols; end-to-end system and service modelling; trial platform development and operation.

This is a lead technical expert role in Applied Research where the individual will apply their key expertise within a clearly defined sphere of technical knowledge to lead research projects and activities which are addressing 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. 

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

Current work / projects includes: understanding and influencing TN-NTN convergence standards; major LEO system studies, including simulation and capability analysis; Satellite QKD and optical comms evaluation via ESA collaboration projects; integration of HAPS with our 5G network, including trials. 

Specifically, this role is accountable for:

1. Leading and delivering novel research work areas with specialist technical knowledge, providing detailed technical recommendations which leads to new solutions to business challenges and opportunities in areas supporting BT’s strategic priorities, or new fields with potential impact on BT’s future business. 

2. Providing leadership of research activity/project in one or more technical areas, and to propose new research directions.

3. Managing research projects (both internal to BT and/or with collaborative partners).

4. Proposing and pursuing new opportunities for BT arising from the research (e.g. new revenues, cost savings or improvements to customer service). 

5. Maintaining a current knowledge of advances in their field and activities of other researchers or organisations. 

6. Contributing to the creation of intellectual property rights which will enhance BT’s competitive position 

7. Developing a strategy for his/her group to achieve excellence in their field and impact on the business.

8. Negotiating and establishing new collaborative research projects with external business partners and/or universities. 

9. Owning and leading research relationships with collaborative partners and vendors to deliver specific project outcomes.

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the role. 

You'll have the following skills and experience

Ideally, we are looking for someone that has a track record in NTN systems research including several of the following: Requirements capture and research scoping; system and/or technology simulation; technology evaluation & development; specifying, building and executing live trials and demonstrations; collaborating with academic and industry partners

Skills

• Technical domain expert: Deep technical or domain expertise. They continually develop their expertise in advanced communications so they are recognised as a technical expert in that domain
• Qualifications: Strong academic record in technology specialism with post-graduate qualification(s) (PhD or equivalent research experience).
• 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.
• Story-telling 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 expert: evidence of significant knowledge and skill in the specific technical domain of Non-Terrestrial Networks (MANDATORY)
• Significant delivery: evidence of significant business impact through delivery of research (MANDATORY)
• Stakeholder management: evidence of managing project stakeholders across the business at a variety of grade and seniority levels (MANDATORY)
• 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)

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.