Software Developer

National Physical Laboratory; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory seeks candidates for positions focused on software development in the UK Telecoms Lab. You will engage in developing high-performance applications, work with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to cybersecurity initiatives for telecommunications. Opportunities include flexible working arrangements and interactions with industry leaders.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Opportunities for continuous development

Engagement with open-source communities

Qualifications

• Experience with C/C++ for software development.
• Understanding of telecommunications and wireless network concepts.
• Basic knowledge of virtualized environments and networking fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Managing the software development lifecycle of bespoke UKTL tools.
• Developing CLI and web applications using modern programming languages.
• Conducting security research and developing solutions for 5G networks.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux/Unix

Git

5G Networks

Virtualized Environments

Software Development

Debugging

Job description

Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, aims to provide the UK with cutting-edge technology to enhance telecommunications networks, accelerate 5G deployment, and diversify the telecoms sector by encouraging new entrants into the supply chain market.

Successful candidates will gain unique experience working on or supporting groundbreaking cybersecurity and networking technologies at a national and international level. This role offers exposure to the latest technologies through research and development efforts to secure UK telecommunications networks, ensuring the UK remains a safe place to live and do business online. It also provides opportunities to interact with senior government officials, industry leaders, and academic professionals, supporting UKTL leaders in coordinating meetings and briefings.

As a trusted national capability, UKTL will collaborate with standards bodies like 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre, the UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, and telecommunications service providers and vendors.

What you could be doing for us:

• Managing the software development lifecycle of bespoke UKTL tools.
• Utilizing your experience to help establish optimal architecture for products and services.
• Providing technical expertise on software development across UKTL teams.
• Developing CLI and web applications using modern programming languages, debugging, troubleshooting, employing IDE and OS basics, test-driven development, writing clean code, refactoring, version control, CI/CD, alerting, monitoring, and conducting functional and non-functional testing.
• Designing and developing high-performance applications in C++, Python, and related languages.
• Conducting security research and developing solutions for 5G networks, including creating and testing prototypes in fronthaul and backhaul environments.
• Working with the latest high-end telecommunications hardware and performance machines.
• Contributing to advancements in security for cutting-edge telecommunications technologies and developing robust solutions for high-performance systems.
• Engaging with the latest high-performance technologies.

Note: Successful applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham, with the possibility of hybrid working.

We aim to promote a great work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, or flexible options where feasible, depending on the role and business needs.

• Engagement with open-source communities and processes.
• Understanding of 5G wireless networks.
• Experience with C/C++ for software development.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Basic knowledge of virtualized environments and networking fundamentals; willingness to learn more.
• Enthusiasm for learning new programming languages and continuous development.
• Advanced Linux/Unix experience.
• Knowledge of telecommunications and wireless network concepts, especially O-RAN.
• Experience with virtualized environments like VMware and Linux-based coding.
• Development experience with DPDK for high-performance packet processing.
• Understanding of open-air interface (OAI) and O-RAN standards.
• Experience with SDR (software-defined radio).

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the posting period, and the closing date may be advanced at any time. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds. Due to the security nature of this role, nationality, residency, and security clearance requirements are strict. Candidates will need to obtain BPSS security clearance and must have or be able to obtain SC clearance without restrictions.