Are you interested in a career in Telecoms Security?
Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G, and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.
At UKTL, we are looking for graduates with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in the Telecoms industry, In UKTL you can create a positive impact on the world with your career.
The role
As an engineer on the two-year UKTL Graduate Programme you will join one of our business functions – pushing the boundaries of the possible. You’ll be matched with a team based on your background and interests.
After three months we review how well you’ve aligned with the assigned team and if necessary, can reallocate you to a different team, to ensure that both you and the business get the maximum benefit from the programme, ensuring you are getting great exposure to the work and take on projects honing your skills and future career ambitions.
Cross team interaction will fast track your development through a mix of on-the-job learning, training, and networking with the aim of supporting the following areas:
- Security and resilience: Identifying national security risks and vulnerabilities to ensure vital equipment and software are protected against cyber-attack.
- Diversification: Supporting the diversification of the UK telecommunications industry’s supply chain
- R & D: Developing secure products and identifying vulnerabilities in existing ones.
- Health: Ensuring the UK has an infrastructure that can support, encourage innovation and growth.
You will be based at our Solihull site and will be working on either laboratory, or data-based projects through practical and theory-based learning.
On successful completion of the two-year programme, you will join us as a permanent engineer, (subject to appropriate security clearance levels required for the role, such as BPSS, SC or DV), with a working knowledge of complementary areas.
We will provide the space and support so you can be the best version of yourself, plus tools to navigate the different demands of our work. Graduate placements are available in the following business functions:
- Cyber Security
- Networks & Infrastructure
- Telco (ORAN / RAN / Packet Core / Device Security Evaluation)
- Vulnerability research
- Security Testing
As a Graduate Engineer, you will have the chance to collaborate with a variety of teams, helping to build and grow your network.
You’ll be exposed to a wide variety of leading-edge technologies in the telecoms space and given the opportunity to explore their capabilities and develop your own deep knowledge in these areas.
You’ll gain access to a variety of cutting-edge tools to help your understanding of the technologies and be supported by industry-leading experts in their fields.
What we offer
- Competitive starting salary
- Annual pay reviews (non-contractual)
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the option to buy/sell annual leave days
- 6 – 12 month tailored placements for the duration of the programme
- Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employer contribution (12% employer contribution if you elect to contribute 6%)
- Social and networking events with other graduates both on the programme and previous cohorts
- Paid disability leave
- Access to a wide array of learning and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme
- Interest free loans (Up to £5k for season ticket loans, house purchase deposit and rental deposit)
- Bike4Work scheme
- Recognition awards
- Civil Service Sports and Leisure discounts
- Free parking on site
About the process
- Application form with cover letter
- Online Assessment
- Your first telephone interview will be conducted via Microsoft Teams
- If you’re selected, you’ll attend an assessment centre, which will be held Solihull in Spring 2025
- If successful, we look forward to welcoming you in September 2025!
About you
For this role we encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams and bring fresh perspectives. We believe that diversity of perspective is key to sparking the creativity needed to respond to the challenges at UKTL. To be successful in the Graduate Engineer role, you will have the following skills and qualifications:
- Have achieved or be on target to achieve a degree, or equivalent in Computer Science, Cyber Security or Electronic / Electrical Engineering
- Proven ability to work in a team to achieve a common goal, with good communication and collaboration skills.
- Enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach.
- Have an aptitude and curiosity for security.
- Ability to complete work which requires a high level of attention to detail.
- Understand the value of providing good customer service, delivering high quality work and proactive communication.
- Committed to your personal development and taking on learning opportunities to get the most from the role.
- Be eligible to live and work in the UK at the time you start employment (we cannot provide visa sponsorship at this time)
- Ideally you may have been actively involved in “Capture the Flag” Activities or other Cyber Security Clubs or Societies at University.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others.
You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at UKTL, you will need to obtain BPSS and Government Security Clearance.
If it sounds like this is the role for you, we look forward to hearing from you! Please submit a cover letter explaining what attracts you to the UKTL Graduate Programme and complete the application form.
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.
About us
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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.
