Principal Test Analyst - Messaging

Virgin Media Ltd; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company is looking for a Core Messaging Principal Test Analyst to join the Core Engineering team in Slough. This role involves leading upgrades, testing, and integration of software deployments within their test lab. An ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of cellular networks, excellent analytical skills, and experience in managing vendor relationships. The position offers a full-time contract with various benefits.

Benefits

Bumper reward package

Flexible work options

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of cellular networks and networking principles including TCP-IP, SMPP, GSM_MAP.
• Strong analytical skills to understand complex requirements.
• Proven track record in producing technical requirements specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the upgrades into VMO2 Core Test-Lab.
• Manage project deliverables for Core Messaging Test Team.
• Plan, execute, and record Element Acceptance Testing.

Skills

Cellular networking principles

Protocol monitoring and management tools

Analytical skills

Technical requirements specifications

Teamwork

Tools

Empirix

Job description

Location

Slough

Job Family

Digital & Technology

Job Type

Full Time

Posted Date

23-Sep-2025

Ref #

69427

We have a new role for a Core Messaging Principal Test Analyst to join our Core Engineering team based from our Slough Test-Lab.

TheCore Messaging Principal Test Analyst is responsible for leading the upgrades into VMO2 Core Test-Lab. The role involves testing and integrating new software deployments and fault fixes, coordinating with vendor and project team ensuring faults are tracked. Working closely with key stakeholders such as design and operations to ensure a dependable delivery into live network which meets customer requirements. Providing support and maintenance activities on the VMO2 Test-Lab.

This role requires an excellent understanding and appreciation of cellular networks and networking principles (UNIX, GSM, IMS) including protocols TCP-IP, SMPP, GSM_MAP and services especially SMS, Voicemail, Location services and MMS. .

Key Responsibilities

• Test Lead within the team to manage project deliver for solutions coming into Core Messaging Test Team, co-ordinating testing resources where applicable and test coverage.
• After review of Supplier Quality Acceptance Testing review vendor Release Notes and MOP’s co-ordinating with design & operations. Managing the collective feedback as required through to conclusion.
• To plan, execute and record Element Acceptance Testing within the test environment, or on a single element in the live network. Device and SIM management where required for new project delivery.
• Direct responsibility to manage and produce Test Strategy, create Test Cases exiting project delivery or vendor fault fix with TER, considering exit criteria are met or risk mitigation put in place.
• To arrange, execute and record the FOA (First Office Application) of a release into the live network. Co-ordination where required for SIMS and devices to run regression testing and support operations.
• To perform on-going build, support and maintenance activities on the VMO2 Test-Bed. Ensuring all solutions are stable, alarms monitored and services available for wider test teams.

Who we are

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is anequal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

The must haves

• An excellent understanding and appreciation for the cellular networks and networking principles (UNIX, GSM, IMS) including protocols TCP-IP, SMPP, GSM_MAP and services especially SMS, Voicemail, Location services and MMS.
• Excellent knowledge and practical experience of network, signalling & protocol monitoring and management tools (Empirix).
• Strong analytical skills and sound practical judgement are required to understand complex and often conflicting requirements, seeing issues independently through to resolution.
• Proven track record in production of accurate and complete technical requirements specifications, crafting clear, unambiguous documents that align with both business needs and vendor capabilities.
• An enthusiastic self-motivated team player with drive to succeed.

The other stuff we are looking for

• Experience of managing the vendor relationship is required, with the ability to take ownership of issues and drive these through to resolution.
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations.

What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Things move pretty fast around here. New tech, new products, new ideas - and new opportunities for talented people like you.

So, create a tailored job alert and we'll let you know as soon as your dream role's ready for you.