Future Network Technologist
Digital Catapult is a UK deep tech innovation organisation that accelerates the practical application of advanced technologies. It supports startups, industry, government, investors and academia through research and development, consultancy, acceleration programmes, testbed facilities and collaborative innovation.
Projects
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult bridges the gap between deep tech research and real-world deployment. Its work spans artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced networks, distributed systems, immersive technologies and the Internet of Things. The organisation provides bespoke software and data systems, platform engineering, technology and innovation consultancy, acceleration programmes, membership, access to specialised laboratories and testbeds, and ecosystem convening. It works with startups and scaleups, large businesses, government and public-sector organisations, investors, and academic institutions across the UK.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will research and develop next-generation network architectures, focusing on network and service orchestration across open and quantum-safe terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. You will design and evaluate architectures, optimise Open RAN systems, develop software and demonstrations, conduct testing, create research outputs, and present technical results to stakeholders.
Requirements
- MSc degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industrial research experience
- PhD in a relevant area is advantageous
- Research experience in at least two of TN/NTN, network and service orchestration, telecom AI, Open RAN, and quantum-safe networks
- Experience with network optimisation models and tools is beneficial
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills
- Experience using specialised test and measurement tools and packet capture tools such as tcpdump and Wireshark
- Strong understanding of 3GPP, O-RAN, and ETSI standards
- Experience participating in collaborative research projects is advantageous
- Practical experience with commercial or testbed network equipment is advantageous
Responsibilities
- Contribute to open future network architectures across the AESTRAM project
- Shape research directions around future network technologies, multi-domain service orchestration in 6G, AI services, and TN/NTN
- Design architectures, functions, and interfaces
- Develop, evaluate, and defend original research ideas in future open, AI-powered, and quantum-safe networking
- Consolidate research ideas into publications, simulations, IPRs, and demonstrations
- Benchmark and optimise the performance of end-to-end Open RAN systems
- Use specialised test and measurement tools to execute test suites and report results
- Direct and assist in developing software and an associated demonstration network
- Prepare and deliver oral presentations and written reports
- Ensure quality deliverables and transfer competences and research results to stakeholders
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave
- Bank Holidays
- 3 days between Christmas and New Year
- Double-matched pension up to 10% of salary
- Discretionary company bonus
- 4% of salary benefits allowance
- Health cash plan
- Private Medical Insurance
- Option to buy holiday
- Option to top up pension
- E-Vehicle Scheme
- Cycle2Work
- Tech Scheme
- Gym Discounts
- Give As You Earn
- PerkPal
- Life insurance at 4x salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial Wellbeing advice
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Hybrid working
- Company social events
- Free office snacks