At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the UK Telecoms Lab to enhance telecom security and interoperability.
- Company: Be part of a leading telecoms lab focused on innovation and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous learning in a dynamic field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK's telecoms ecosystem with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of 4G/5G technologies and experience in testing environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) and play a critical role in strengthening the security, interoperability, and resilience of the UK’s telecoms ecosystem. We are looking for a skilled and inquisitive Access Engineer with strong experience in fixed and mobile access systems to support cutting‑edge testing and validation work.
About the Role
In this role, you’ll work across a range of telecoms technologies, supporting the integration, testing, and validation of Devices Under Test (DUTs) alongside associated systems and tools. You’ll contribute to the review of supplier designs and ensure that testing outputs are robust, well‑documented, and aligned with UKTL’s security and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the review of supplier designs, and the integration, acceptance, testing, maintenance and operation of devices and systems under test.
- Build, integrate and support access Devices Under Test, including RF systems and test environments.
- Assist with Radio Access Network (RAN) installation activities, ensuring user equipment (UEs) readiness.
- Develop, document and execute test cases and test strategies, ensuring clarity on scope, limitations, and impact.
- Record and analyse test results, producing clear insights and recommendations for security, standards, and policy.
- Diagnose and resolve connectivity, hardware and software issues within test environments.
- Perform regular RF sweeps, ensuring compliance with safety thresholds and escalating where required.
- Provision and manage SIM configurations across different core network identities.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure meaningful interoperability testing and sufficient coverage.
- Represent UKTL at industry and standards events, championing secure by design principles.
- Support continuous improvement of processes aligned to UKTL’s security posture.
- Coordinate cross‑team and project activities.
Requirements
- Strong knowledge of 4G/5G radio technologies, SIMs, UEs, and fixed access systems (NTN experience desirable).
- Experience with Kubernetes container environments and OpenStack‑based hypervisors.
- Proficiency with test tools and environments, including administration and troubleshooting.
- Hands‑on experience in functional testing, analysis, and reporting.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with proven fault‑finding methodologies.
- Experience working in Agile environments, with sprint planning and delivery tracking.
- Experience or awareness of 4G/5G core architectures and security testing techniques is desirable; we actively support upskilling and will provide training to help you build these capabilities.
- Must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
- 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.
- We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others.
Access Engineer in Birmingham employer: National Physical Laboratory
At UK Telecoms Lab, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for continuous learning and upskilling in cutting-edge telecom technologies, all while working in the vibrant city of Birmingham. Join us to be part of a team that values security, resilience, and meaningful contributions to the UK's telecoms ecosystem.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Access Engineer in Birmingham
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like National Physical Laboratory and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
✨Join Networking Communities
Find online forums or local meetups that focus on telecommunications and networking. Sites like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit communities can be great for connecting with professionals in the field. Just remember to participate in discussions – you never know when someone might mention job openings at places like National Physical Laboratory.
✨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
While we’re all about encouraging you to apply through our website, also keep an eye on job boards specific to tech and telecommunication roles. Websites such as Telecommunication Jobs and TechCareers often list full-time roles that may not appear elsewhere. Just be sure to tailor every application to grab attention – even small tweaks can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Access Engineer in Birmingham
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.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Projects
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
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨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.
