Telecoms Standards Specialist

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive pension scheme

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a professional to shape the future of telecom security. In this role, you will represent UKTL internationally and influence standards that strengthen security and resilience in telecom networks.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of telecom ecosystems, and be well-versed in mobile networks, AI, and security principles. The position requires a collaborative mindset and offers flexible working arrangements alongside professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Understanding of 3GPP and GSMA standards.
• Knowledge of AI in telecoms and security principles.
• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Represent UKTL at global telecom standards forums.
• Create reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Support the evolution of secure telecom systems.
• Monitor global telecom trends like AI and IoT.

Skills

Technical strength

Understanding of global telecom ecosystems

Expertise in mobile or fixed core networks

Strong communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Overview

Build your voice and shape the future of telecom security. The role involves helping shape standards that underpin security and resilience in telecom networks, influencing future network design and trust.

Responsibilities

• Represent UKTL internationally at global telecoms standards forums.
• Turn technical insight into reports, presentations and briefings for stakeholders.
• Support the evolution of secure, forward‑looking telecom systems.
• Collaborate with standards bodies, industry peers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Promote best practice and champion secure‑by‑design approaches.
• Translate complex standards into clear, actionable insights.
• Monitor global telecom trends such as AI, IoT and satellite networks.
• Mentor and share knowledge to grow team capability.
• Participate in testing, research and continuous improvement activities.

Impact

• Shape how telecom standards evolve globally.
• Strengthen the security and resilience of UK telecom networks.
• Inform decision‑making across operators, vendors and government.
• Build UKTL’s reputation as a trusted technical authority.

Qualifications

• Technical strength, collaborative and curious mindset.
• Understanding of global telecom ecosystems and standards, especially 3GPP and GSMA.
• Expertise in mobile or fixed core networks, AI in telecoms, security principles in standards, mobile authentication, non‑terrestrial networks.
• Awareness of emerging technologies such as IoT, AI and satellite communications.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, ability to explain complex technical ideas clearly.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders across industry and government.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn.
• Will hold SC clearance with no restrictions (can start after clearance).

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.

Work Arrangements

Must commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week; travel up to 9 weeks per year. Flexible arrangements may be explored if the role demands.

Equality and Diversity

UKTL is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability is prohibited. Candidates meeting the required criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.