Radio Access Network (RAN) Engineer

Successful candidates will have a unique experience working on or supporting the latest ground-breaking cyber security and networking technologies on a national and international scale. This opportunity will allow those involved to have first-hand exposure to the latest technologies via the research and development that we are undertaking to secure our telecommunications networks, in order to keep the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It also gives exposure to senior government department officials, communications industry leaders and academic professionals, all key stakeholders in the work of UKTL as you help UKTLs leaders to coordinate meetings and briefings. As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors. We are looking for a seasoned RAN (Radio Access Network) Engineer to join our team to provide expert support to our networks and services, ensuring that our ongoing capability to provide mission critical services to both our own Evaluation and Testing team, as well as national stakeholders remains of the highest quality. You will be joining our Lab & Test Network Team at a pivotal time in the development of the lab - still in a "start-up" stage, as a RAN (Radio Access Network) Engineer you will play an important part in helping us deliver success to our mission. Working with the wider Networks and Infrastructure team, you will have the opportunity to have direct influence over how the lab evolves and develops, ensuring that our networks and capabilities are representative of the UK telecommunications landscape and that we remain ahead of the game when it comes to new technologies. Our goal is to provide technical and testing services to the UK telecommunication landscape to help ensure that our Critical National Infrastructure remains secure in the face of ever present and evolving security threats. Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working.

To excel at this role you'll bring with you extensive 4G/LTE, 5G RAN & O-RAN testing experience, Solid working knowledge of 4/5G Radio Access Network technology, Extensive recent experience in RAN & O-RAN system integration, testing and troubleshooting (system logs, OS logs, UE logs, network logs, etc.), Strong end-to-end RAN knowledge with focus on 4/5G, RAN Technologies (vRAN, Small Cells, MIMO, Timing and Sync with GPS, PTP). You'll also have:

• Understanding of Networking Protocols like IP, TCP, SCTP, IPSEC
• Understanding of 3GPP standards, including procedures, call flows, KPI, statistics
• End-to-end testing, in all areas - IMS calls (eNodeB, MME, SGW, PCR, SBG, CSCF, MTAS)
• Good understanding of Layer 2 & 3 messages, RRC/RLC Layers.
• Analysing and diagnosing main RF Issues like Dropped calls, Blocked calls, Handover Failures, Interference, RACH failures etc
• Good experience in analysing the Core Network elements issues.
• Working Knowledge or Testing Nokia and Ericsson RAN
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.,
• Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employer contribution (12% employer contribution if you elect to contribute 6%)
• Performance related pay review in 2025 (non-contractual)
• Employee assistance programme
• Interest free loans (Up to £5k for season ticket loans, house purchase deposit)
• + Much more