Wireless, Research Specialist

Job Description

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About the role

BT’s Wireless Research Team explores the technologies that will shape future radio access and Wi-Fi networks. We investigate how emerging wireless capabilities can improve network performance, efficiency and flexibility, and how they can enable entirely new services.
Our research informs technology design, network strategy and architecture across BT. We work across a mix of horizon scanning, modelling, simulation, lab experimentation, field trials, standards insight and collaboration with vendors and universities.

Our work includes:

- Understanding technology and use-case evolution across industry, academia and standards, and applying that insight to current and future BT services.

- Modelling, simulation and analysis of wireless connectivity technologies and use cases. Lab-based hypothesis testing for technologies such as SU/MU-MIMO, active antenna systems, channel access mechanisms and emerging spatial awareness capabilities.

- Radio channel measurements and contribution to field trials.

This role is based in Ipswich or Bristol and the closing date for applications is 02/06/26.

What you’ll be doing

This role focuses on new use cases enabled by radio access systems, alongside the continued need to provide reliable coverage and capacity.

You will explore how Wi-Fi and cellular radio access systems could support practical spatial awareness and sensing capabilities. This may include areas such as localisation, environmental awareness, radio-based sensing, channel behaviour, signal processing and system- and hardware-level feasibility. You do not need to have worked directly on wireless sensing before. We are interested in candidates with strong foundations in wireless communications, signal processing, radio propagation, RF systems, modelling or practical experimentation, and with the curiosity to apply those skills to new application areas.

You will develop a deep understanding of the current technology landscape, identify opportunities aligned with BT’s practical and commercial constraints, and build or lead proof-of-concept activities to validate technical feasibility and potential service value.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from background in wireless communications, digital signal processing, RF engineering, radio propagation, array theory, localisation, sensing, modelling, simulation or related areas. Relevant industry experience is preferred, but we also encourage applications from recent graduates or early-career researchers who can demonstrate strong technical foundations, hands-on project delivery and enthusiasm for applied research.

• Experience with modelling, simulation, data analysis or experimental validation of wireless systems.
• The ability to make sound technical judgements while considering practical deployment, service and commercial constraints
• Confidence engaging with technical and commercial stakeholders to help bridge the gap between research concepts and real-world propositions.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for experimentation, innovation and learning new technical areas.

Essential Skills / Experience

• A solid understanding of wireless communication principles, including PHY/MAC layers and cellular and/or Wi-Fi systems.
• Practical experience with radio hardware, lab testing, measurement campaigns, prototyping or proof-of-concept development.
• A good grounding in one or more relevant technical areas such as digital signal processing, radio propagation, array theory, localisation, RF systems or sensing.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Programming and data analysis experience, for example in Python, MATLAB, TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Knowledge of 3GPP, especially RAN1 or RAN4, IEEE 802.11 or the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• Experience working with vendors, universities or external research partners.
• Experience with wireless sensing, localisation, radar, channel measurements or spatial awareness techniques.
• An ability to build and use agentic AI workflows to accelerate routine tasks, while recognising the distinction between automation support and original research judgement.

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life.

You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

• 10% on target annual bonus
• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family
• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off
• Equalized maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay
• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband
• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us
• Holiday purchase scheme

BT Group is the UK’s leading communications group and the holding company behind some of the country’s most recognised brands – including BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet. Our purpose is as simple as it is ambitious: we connect for good. Our customers include consumers, small, medium and large businesses, public sector organisations and other communications providers.

BT Group’s role is about setting direction, unlocking value and creating the conditions for our brands and businesses to thrive.

Having come through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, our focus now is on what comes next – simplifying how we operate, using technology and AI to work smarter, and organising ourselves to serve customers better and grow sustainably. Group teams shape strategy, policy, brand, capital allocation and transformation, helping the whole organisation perform at its best.

We have a singular culture that unites all our people: we are customer-first challengers, who are committed, clear and connected. These behaviours unite us as one team to deliver for our colleagues, our customers, our stakeholders and the country. Joining BT Group means working at the heart of a business that matters to the UK, with the opportunity to shape decisions, influence outcomes and help set the future course of one of the country’s most important companies.