At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge team to design and test innovative telecom technologies.
- Company: UKTL is a leader in telecoms testing, ensuring network safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed continuously; early applications are encouraged.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment that shapes the future of telecommunications.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with complex network systems required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Role
Salary for UKTL specialist roles are benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in‑demand technical expertise.
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. You'll:
- 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
We're looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with curiosity, strategic thinking, and a passion for emerging technologies.
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, eSIM, 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.
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.
Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert.
Required Clearance
You will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You may 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 resilience and security.
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.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age. Applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
We offer a wealth of above‑industry standard benefits, such as an enhanced pension scheme, flexible working and more.
Telecoms Architect in Birmingham 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 Telecoms Architect in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the telecommunications field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work at UKTL or similar organisations. This can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in telecommunications, especially around 5G, Core, and RAN technologies. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and news outlets to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex network systems and integration projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar projects in the past, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with UKTL's mission and recent developments in the telecoms sector. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your skills and experiences with what they are looking for in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Telecoms Architect in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in designing and deploying complex network systems, particularly with modern telecommunication technologies. Emphasise your understanding of 5G, Core, and RAN technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead major telecommunications integration projects and your familiarity with NFVI technologies.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous positions, both nationally and internationally.
Highlight Continuous Learning:Demonstrate your curiosity and technologist's mindset by mentioning any recent training, certifications, or self-study related to new telecommunications technologies. This shows your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role involves effective communication with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey complex technical information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Curiosity
UKTL values a technologist's mindset, so come ready to discuss recent technologies you've explored. Share insights on how these innovations could impact telecommunications and express your enthusiasm for staying updated in this fast-evolving field.
✨Prepare for High-Level Design Discussions
Since you'll be taking ownership of telecommunication network designs, review your previous projects involving complex network systems. Be ready to discuss your design process, challenges faced, and how you ensured successful integration of new technologies.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the Telecommunications Security Act and other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past projects, as this knowledge will be crucial for the role at UKTL.
