National Test Lab Manager (Telecoms)

We are looking for a National Test Lab Manager to join our Telecoms Asset Management & Architecture team at Network Rail. Collaborating with our individual teams responsible for disciplines such as fixed IP/MPLS & optical network connectivity, fixed voice services, GSM-R & future mobile services, data centre networks and security you’ll drive test lab strategy, test engineering excellence, test automation and test outcomes that better support the introduction of telecoms technology and services to provide a safe, secure and reliable telecoms system for the national railway network., What will you be doing?

• Lead and own all outcomes for the introduction, modification and utilisation of telecoms testing facilities throughout Network Rail to deliver successful testing outcomes against technology roadmaps and compliant to Network Rail Standards, legislative and railway operational product approval requirements.
• Lead, own and endorse all equipment and services that have met or exceeded defined software / hardware tests, documented in compliance with architecture and service requirements for IP/MPLS, Optical & legacy network connectivity, fixed & mobile voice communication networks, Security systems , Station Information and Surveillance (CCTV) Systems and Data Centre systems maintaining a safe, secure and available rail system. Provide documented evidence when equipment and / or services have not successfully meet the defined test criteria and are therefore not suitable for use as part of the rail system.
• Lead and provide expert technical consultancy to the Network Rail Technical Authority, Railway Regions, Telecom Operations, DDAT, Route Services and other customers for telecoms services by providing problem solving, technical direction, and support for the development of Network Rail standards.
• Lead and direct a variety of test environments and scenarios so that interoperability, Tier 3 and 4 fault replication and new technology and service introduction can be achieved.
• Negotiate, manage, and implement emergency use of test facilities to drive simulations and resolution of performance affecting failures, reactive testing of priority software patching for any telecoms system enabling rapid deployment to the live operational infrastructure.
• Own, create and direct application of Telecom Operations technical library of test strategies, plans, specifications to provide standardised, consistent test criteria and processes leading to future automation of testing capability.
• Lead and manage the integration, baseline configuration and co-ordination of lab testing activity across NRT services to demonstrate controlled, recorded and assessed outcomes to the business delivering 'safer, secure, better, faster, cheaper, resilient' telecoms service.
• Implement and plan for technology change, creating requirements driven from Technology Platform and supply chain roadmaps so that the test environment replicates the current live and future infrastructure. Manage and review inventory through requests for new technology, maintenance, and support contracts to maintain effectiveness of the lab facility.
• Define and deliver a testing tools, applications roadmap and implementation strategy that seeks automation of testing processes, measurement and recording to reduce time, cost and human effort reducing time to market of new services and products.
• Manage the Health and Safety and Fire Regulatory requirements for each test lab site providing a safe working environment for all testing activities.
  
  Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a telecoms test, design or operational environment
• Significant experience of testing, management of testing facilities and processes nationally across multiple technologies delivering compliant, safe and secure products and systems.
• Substantial demonstrable knowledge of a range of testing techniques, tools and strategies
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels within Network Rail and Supply Chain
• Experience undertaking and approving testing outcomes in a complex, regulated environment
• Leading of inventory management and logistics in a technical environment
• Ability to produce professional and well-structured testing and implementation deliverables
Desirable
• Experience of automated testing environments
• ISEB Foundation Certificate in software testing
• Knowledge of relevant telecoms hardware and software platforms, operating systems, middleware, and system management
• Knowledge of configuration and release management
  
  We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you! About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance. We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers. Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution. As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day Telecoms operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway – we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool – it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant. Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!