Research Technical Manager, Optical Networks (3 vacancies)

Recruiter: Mark Thomas

Hiring Manager: Andrew Lord

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 01/09/2026

About the role

Join BT’s optical networks research team to help shape the next generation of optical and quantum network capabilities. We’re recruiting three Research Technical Managers who will turn research into practical outcomes by building proofs of concept, developing demonstrations and leading work across lab, exchange and network environments.

These roles share a common foundation in optical networks and/or quantum networks, but we’re looking for a complementary mix of expertise across the three vacancies.

• In addition to the quantum networks expertise and optical networks expertise we are also looking for someone who will specialise in and lead projects - Experience leading complex technical or research projects from concept through to practical delivery.

• For our third vacancy, we are looking for someone who will bring their people leadership alongside a strong technical background.
The roles can be based in Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the development of optical or quantum proofs of concept, demonstrations and field trials.
• Shape and deliver research projects that support BT’s future optical network, security and potential quantum service capabilities.
• Configure, connect and integrate test equipment and vendor equipment for lab experiments and operational trials.
• Verify optical network or quantum system performance in the lab.
• Build practical experimental setups using optical fibre, lasers, receivers and related systems.
• Support trials in operational environments, including exchanges, by installing and provisioning equipment.
• Provide technical direction and help colleagues deliver complex research activities.
• Depending on your experience, lead projects, coordinate teams and support the development of people.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across BT, as well as universities, vendors and organisations across the global optics and quantum ecosystem.
• Translate emerging research into capabilities that could support BT’s networks, customers and future products.

Essential Skills / Experience

The expertise we’re looking for across the three vacancies, we’re looking for strength in one or more of the following sub-areas. You are not expected to be an expert in all three.

• Project Leadership / delivery
• People leadership
• Experience in Quantum / Optical Networks

Desirable Skills / Experience

Quantum networks
• Deep expertise in quantum networks, supported by a strong research profile.
• Experience contributing to respected research, publications, conferences or major quantum initiatives.
• The credibility to engage with leading specialists and help shape BT’s direction in quantum networking.

Optical networks
• Deep expertise in areas such as optical fibre, optical sensing, optical transmission or optical networking.
• Hands-on experience building optical network demonstrators, provisioning optical networks or developing lab-based systems.
• Practical experience working with optical equipment and translating research into network applications.

The skills and experience you’ll need

• Deep technical expertise: Significant expertise in optical networks and/or quantum networks. You do not need to specialise in both.
• Hands-on research experience: Practical experience building, testing or demonstrating optical or quantum systems—not solely theoretical, modelling or desk-based research.
• Technical leadership: The ability to lead research activities, influence technical direction and work effectively with colleagues and partners.

You may also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Leading projects, teams or people in a research, technology or network environment.
• Building optical systems using components such as optical fibre, lasers and receivers.
• Optical transmission, optical networking, optical sensing or quantum systems.
• Configuring IP or Ethernet networks and associated vendor equipment.
• Deploying or building networks in a university, technology vendor, network operator or similar environment.
• Working with equipment or platforms from organisations such as Nokia, Ciena, Ericsson or Cisco.
• Developing a strong external profile through publications, conferences, collaborations or research programmes.

Why join us
You’ll work alongside highly regarded researchers on ambitious optical and quantum projects, with opportunities to lead pioneering experiments and practical demonstrations. The team’s position within BT creates broad scope to collaborate with leading companies, universities and specialists worldwide.

This is an opportunity to shape major areas of research, develop people and projects, and see your work move from the lab towards real network and customer applications.

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.