Telecoms Core Network Engineer

About the role

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain 4G/5G core systems, host environments, and test tools.
• Act as design authority, ensuring lab solutions are secure, resilient, documented, and ready for research and evaluation.
• Own functional testing, fault-finding, troubleshooting, and resolution across complex lab environments.
• Support supplier design reviews, integration, acceptance, testing, maintenance, and operations.
• Influence supplier roadmaps and evaluate components for future lab evolution.
• Maintain lab security, including reviewing and approving third-party exports where required.
• Support vulnerability research, penetration testing, and evaluation teams by advising on features and enabling or disabling capabilities.
• Set documentation, quality, and delivery standards; lead small teams and projects, coach colleagues, and implement improvements.

Essential experience and knowledge

• Expert knowledge of 4G core functions: MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF, HSS, and IMS.
• Expert knowledge of 5G core functions: AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, PCF, SEPP, NEF, NSSF, AUSF, UDM, and UDR, plus service-based architectures.
• Expert knowledge building and managing Kubernetes container environments and OpenStack-based hypervisors.
• Strong troubleshooting and fault-finding across complex telecoms, host, and virtualized environments.
• Experience with functional testing, analysis, and reporting on technical, policy, and security implications.
• Ability to break planned activities into sprint deliverables and keep plans updated.
• Experience leading small teams, projects, or cross-functional technical activities.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including explaining technical decisions and conclusions.

Beneficial experience

• Familiarity with Radio Access Network architectures.
• Experience or awareness of security testing techniques.
• Interest in industry developments and their implications for government policy, telecoms resilience, and cybersecurity.

Workplace and clearance

• Successful applicants must be able to commute to UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
• The role requires UK SC clearance with no restrictions; applicants may apply without holding it, but cannot start until it is granted.
• Full-time, part-time, or flexible options may be considered depending on the role and business needs.

About UKTL and NPL

Benefits

• The employer describes structured development, mentorship, and a supportive working environment.
• The posting mentions an enhanced pension scheme and flexible working, with further benefits information available from the employer.