At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the UK Telecoms Lab to enhance telecom security and resilience through innovative testing.
- Company: Be part of a leading-edge telecoms testing facility in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, enhanced pension, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's telecoms ecosystem while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of 4G/5G technologies and experience with testing tools required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ 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.
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.
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.
About You
What We’re Looking For
- 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.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you — let’s build something secure together.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
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. 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.
About Us
UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll‑out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Successful candidates will join a state‑of‑the‑art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry.
You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.
As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
Access Engineer in London employer: National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory in Teddington is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge research in power systems, employees benefit from opportunities to develop their skills in a collaborative environment, while enjoying the advantages of working in a prestigious institution dedicated to advancing measurement methods for electricity grid monitoring.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Access Engineer in London
✨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
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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 Access Engineer in London
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.
