Telecoms Standards Associate

About the Role

• Are you looking to kick-start your career in telecoms and cybersecurity?
• Do you want to work at the forefront of global telecom standards and help shape secure-by-design networks of the future?
• We’re looking for a Telecoms Standards Associate to join our growing team, offering a fantastic opportunity to develop technical expertise while gaining exposure to international standards bodies, industry stakeholders, and cutting-edge technologies.
• About the Role
• In this entry-level technical role, you will support the monitoring and contribution to international standards discussions, helping to promote secure, resilient telecoms networks. You’ll play a key role in supporting insights, stakeholder engagement, and technical outputs that position the organisation as a trusted voice within the telecoms ecosystem.
• Key Responsibilities
• Support engagement with international telecom standards bodies and industry organisations
• Assist in building collaborative relationships with stakeholders including operators, vendors, and government bodies
• Contribute to reports, briefings, and presentations on telecoms and security topics
• Monitor global telecom trends and emerging technologies to inform insights and recommendations
• Help promote best practices in telecoms security and resilience
• Provide clear, structured feedback from standards discussions to stakeholders
• Participate in meetings with vendors and suppliers, building strong working relationships
• Support research and testing activities, ensuring alignment with technical requirements
• Follow documentation, quality processes, and security best practices
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the team
• Assist in coordinating small projects or workstreams as you develop
• Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week – put part of this role you will be traveling up 9 weeks of the year
• 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.

About You

• Skills & Experience we are looking for
• We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation and a willingness to learn and grow:
• Basic understanding of telecoms architecture (e.g. 3GPP mobile networks)
• Confidence engaging with a range of stakeholders
• Strong analytical and documentation skills
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
• Awareness of telecom standards and the broader telecoms landscape
• Interest in telecom security, resilience, and emerging technologies
• A collaborative, proactive mindset
• What We Offer
• A structured development opportunity within a highly specialised field
• Exposure to international standards bodies and industry leaders
• Mentorship and support from experienced professionals
• The chance to contribute to meaningful work shaping future telecom networks
• Opportunities to grow into a technical specialist or project lead
• Why Apply?
• This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on experience in telecoms and cybersecurity, develop industry-recognised expertise, and build a career in a fast-evolving, high-impact field.
• 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. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

About Us

• • UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security.
  • Read more about UKTL here!
  • Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.
  • As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.
  • 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. Find out more about what it is like working here – The measure of us – Overview
  • 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 offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here 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. 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.

Read Full Description