At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of telecoms security and evaluate emerging technologies.
- Company: Join UK Telecoms Lab, a leader in telecoms security testing and research.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, enhanced pension scheme, and industry-standard benefits.
- Other info: Diversity and equality are at our core; all backgrounds are welcome.
- Why this job: Influence the future of UK telecommunications and work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in telecoms architecture and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 87100 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Telecoms Security
At UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), we're building the UK's leading capability for telecoms security testing and research.
As a Telecoms Architect, you'll play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and shaping the technologies that will underpin the future of communications.
This is more than a traditional architecture role.
You'll be at the forefront of emerging telecoms technologies, working across industry, government, vendors, operators, and academia to understand what's next, assess security implications, and help define how the UK's telecoms ecosystem can be made more secure and resilient.
If you're passionate about telecoms innovation, enjoy solving complex technical challenges, and want the opportunity to influence the industry's future direction, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
As our Telecoms Architect, you'll become a trusted technical authority across UKTL, providing architectural leadership and helping shape our technology and security research roadmap.
- Identify and evaluate emerging telecoms technologies for future security testing and research programmes.
- Mentor colleagues and help develop technical capability across the wider organisation.
- Work closely with Research, Testing, Engineering, and Programme teams to bring new technologies into the lab environment.
- Evaluate new products, technologies, and vendor solutions through proof‑of‑concept and assessment activities.
- Design secure, scalable, and resilient architectures that support UKTL's testing and research objectives.
- Define and maintain the technical roadmap for systems under test, ensuring UKTL remains at the cutting edge of telecoms security.
- Lead architectural governance activities, including design reviews and technical assurance.
- Analyse new technologies and identify potential vulnerabilities, security challenges, and research opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with operators, vendors, researchers, standards bodies, and partner laboratories to support collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Produce technical papers, reports, and presentations for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Represent UKTL at conferences, industry forums, and customer engagements, sharing insights and influencing industry thinking.
Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
We strive to offer a great work‑life balance – if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible.
This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.
About You
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience in telecommunications architecture across mobile, fixed, and emerging network technologies.
- Strong knowledge of technologies such as 4G, 5G, RAN/Open RAN, Fixed Broadband, Private Networks, e SIM, and Non‑Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
- Experience defining technology roadmaps and influencing strategic technical decisions.
- A strong understanding of cloud‑native architectures, microservices, APIs, virtualisation, automation, and orchestration technologies.
- Experience designing secure, scalable, and highly resilient architectures.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and confidently.
- Experience leading architecture reviews, governance activities, and technical assurance processes.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, particularly within complex technical environments.
- It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Experience within telecoms security, assurance, testing, or research environments.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and secure‑by‑design principles.
- A recognised Solution Architecture certification.
- Experience with Enterprise Architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman.
- Experience publishing technical papers, speaking at industry events, or contributing to telecommunications standards and working groups.
To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions.
You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.
Why Join UKTL?
At UKTL, you'll have a unique opportunity to influence the future of UK telecommunications.
You'll work alongside leading experts in telecoms, security, and research, gaining exposure to cutting‑edge technologies while helping strengthen the resilience and security of critical national infrastructure.
If you're excited by innovation, emerging technologies, and solving some of the most important challenges facing the telecoms industry today, this could be the role for you.
Diversity and Equality
UKTL is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, provided they meet the required criteria.
Applications from women, disabled, and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged.
All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
We offer industry standard benefits, including an enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more.
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Telecoms Architect in Solihull employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is an exceptional employer that prioritises a strong security culture and offers a collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. With a commitment to employee growth, NPL provides tailored training programmes and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can thrive in your role as a Security Culture Lead & Behavioral Change Strategist. Located in a vibrant area, NPL also fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Telecoms Architect in Solihull
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✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
If you’ve got any personal projects or contributions to open-source networking tools, flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your skills relevant to what telecommunication companies are looking for. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews and networking chats.
✨Utilise Online Job Boards Wisely
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We think you need these skills to ace Telecoms Architect in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
Show Enthusiasm for the Industry:With telecommunications evolving rapidly, it’s important to express your passion for the field in your application. Mention any trends or innovations you've been following that excite you and how they'd influence your work. This can really set you apart and show that you're not just after a job, but a career!
Keep It Clean and Professional:While it’s important to be personable, ensure your application maintains a clean and structured format. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to dig into your skills and experience. Remember, you’re applying for a full-time role, so a well-organised application will signal your seriousness about the position at National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
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Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
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✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
