Mechanical Engineer (Exchange exits / Data Centres)

Recruiter: Mark Thomas

Hiring Manager: Violeta Novakovic

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 20/08/2026

About the role

In this role, you will lead the design, development, and validation of robotic and mechanical devices for use in our data centres, exchanges and mobile sites. This role involves designing proof-of-concept devices, working with manufacturers to build them at scale, and testing and validating the solutions in real-world environments.

You will addressing BT's challenge of reducing 4,500 exchange sites and developing mechanical solutions for inaccessible infrastructure areas.

You'll be part of a small, friendly team that work collaboratively to solve problems.

This role is based in Ipswich and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office at least three days per week.

What you’ll be doing

This is a novel role where you will work in an inventive environment where innovative thinking directly impacts real-world infrastructure challenges.

You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics and mechanical solutions for infrastructure that is niche and unique to BT.

You will have high visibility and impact where your solutions directly support BT's strategic infrastructure modernisation across thousands of sites.

• Manages a complex Smart Tools and Robotics (STaR) research projects, ensuring alignment with and contribution to the overall maturity of the research strategy.
• Prototyping of new ideas, helping teams develop approaches and methods from previous experience, championing adoption of lessons learned within the team.
• Coordinates partnerships and engagements with downstream BT Group engineering teams to solve problems and identify trends and opportunities.
• Initiates and leads collaborative projects through consortia creation, proposal submission, execution and closure.
• Implements ways to improve working processes within the STaR area of research.
• Delivers and implements Field Engineering change initiatives and transformation activities that contribute to heightened customer experience.
• Champions and shares with team knowledge on emerging trends and changes in STaR technologies.
• Brings to light new field challenges based on field research.

Essential Skills / Experience

The skills below are essential for this role:

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills
• Prototyping skills
• Mechanical engineering skills

Desirable Skills / Experience

Technical domain expert: evidence of significant knowledge and skills relevant to Smart Tools and Robotics, including:
Physical infrastructure challenges and operation environments across BT Group’s physical infrastructure estate including the Openreach access network (ducts, poles, chambers etc.), wireless infrastructure (towers etc.), exchanges and data centres (racking, cable trays etc.).

• Significant experience working in Smart Tools and Robotics technologies, including:
• Digging and excavation tools and devices
• Pole and overhead cable operations tools and devices;
• Tower and racking tools and devices;
• Cable installation, manipulation and removal tools and devices;
• Duct, chamber and confined space operations tools and devices
• Data centre and exchange infrastructure experience
• DIY or hands-on technical background

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
• Equalised 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

You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.

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.