Lead Network Design & Validation Engineer NEW

Ipswich, Suffolk
慨正橡扯

Recruiter: Luke Byrne

Career Grade: E

Internal Closing Date: 25th May 2026

Locations: Birmingham or Ipswich

About the role

Part of Fixed Networks, our Team is responsible for the technical design and validation of the UK’s largest IP/MPLS core network, which carries 40% of UK broadband traffic, 70% of UK mobile traffic, and over 100,000 government and business services. As an infrastructure platform, we must consistently offer the best performance at a competitive cost. Given the industry’s evolution, we need to stay at the forefront of new technologies and practices to maintain our competitive edge. This role will lead the development and deployment of network solutions to support the operation of BT’s converged core network, using software engineering to deliver changes faster and more accurately. This ensures the network can support BT’s capacity, product development, and customer experience requirements while delivering best-in-class cost efficiency.

What you’ll be doing

• Leads complex network developments, designs & associated artefacts for new products, platform improvements or upgrades that meet business requirements, are aligned to the platform strategy and that put security to the forefront
• Collaborates with Specialist Network Developers on elements of strategic network designs
• Proactively identifies and pursues opportunities for software adoption, in the context of network automation but not excluding other uses
• Generates and leads on ideas for improvement in process and/or technology within the platform
• Works with stakeholders to understand, interpret and shape requirements for network deliverables
• Support for Live and OSS Test issues
• Scopes and executes tests to ensure network designs & associated artefacts meet business and technical requirements
• Maintains test capability by installing, integrating and upgrading network equipment and maintaining consistent configuration
• Mentors more junior staff in technical expertise and engineering professionalism
• Represents our network platform at internal meetings and those with network vendors to ensure alignment to strategy and create positive outcomes

Essential Skills / Experience

Network Engineering Skills:

• Very strong IP network knowledge, CCNA/NRS1 Level minimum, with more in-depth knowledge expected in an area of specialism/experience
• Demonstrate solid working understanding in IP/MPLS, Routing protocols (e.g. OSPF and BGP) and network services (e.g. VPWS and VRFs)
• Understanding of network test tools (e.g. IXIA or Spirent)
• An understanding and awareness of network security

Software Engineering Skills:

• Ability to write/interpret simple programmes using software development best practices (Python preferred)
• Understanding of network automation and description languages (e.g. Jinja2, YAML)
• Understanding of version control (e.g. GitLab)

Experience:

• The ideal candidate will have experience in creating complex network solutions, demonstrating a very good understanding of network & software fundamentals.
• They will have experience working with Design, Test, Planning, and Operational teams.
• They will have led projects both independently, within a team, and have examples of using programming/scripting as an additional tool.
• Additionally, they should show how they have implemented process improvements.

Desirable Skills / Experience

Other Skills:

• Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to business stakeholders
• Understanding of Agile working methodologies

Our Package

• 10% on target bonus
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks carer’s leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes