Research Professional - Robotics

Recruiter: Mark Thomas

Hiring Manager: Violeta Novakovic

Career Grade: E

Internal Closing Date: 19/08/2026

About the role

In this role, you will contribute to solving physical infrastructure challenges at BT's exchanges and data centres by working in a novel, inventive environment.

This role combines inventive problem-solving with real-world application, translating technical innovations into practical solutions that address BT's infrastructure needs.

You will identify challenges across BT's 4,500 exchange sites and similar infrastructure, develop ideas to resolve them, and manage stakeholder coordination across the business to implement solutions.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation, applying research to real-world engineering challenges and contributing to the development and deployment of cutting-edge tools and robotic systems.

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

You will assess old infrastructure sites to identify challenges, contributing innovative ideas for solving those challenges and translating inventive solutions into real-world problem applications.

• Supporting with the project management of 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, supporting the team to develop approaches and methods.
• Coordinates partnerships and engagements with downstream BT Group engineering teams to solve problems and identify trends and opportunities.
• Delivers and supports field engineering change initiatives and transformation activities that contribute to heightened customer experience.
• Brings to light new field challenges based on field research.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Strong communication skills -Regularly presents to peers and managers about their research and area of technical expertise.
• Engineering background in mechanical or civil engineering
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration

Desirable Skills / Experience

Experience in data centres and exchanges: nice to have
Experience in civil engineering or physical infrastructure space: nice to have
Heavy cable environments experience: nice to have
Self-starting and willing to learn
Ability to translate technical problems into layman's terms

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.