RAN and Infrastructure Specialist

BT Ireland; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company in the UK is seeking an Automation Engineer for its office in Bristol. This role will focus on automating services in Mobile Innovation Labs, primarily around Radio Access Networks (RAN). The successful candidate will investigate, design, and implement next-gen automation solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance network testing and deployment practices. Candidates should have expertise in scripting, agile methodologies, and a continuous learning mindset. This is a full-time position with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Enhanced family leave

25 days annual leave

24/7 private virtual GP appointments

World-class training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of architecture and principles underpinning RAN networks (2G–5G).
• Experience and willingness to learn and develop in Oracle, Linux/Red Hat.
• Strong knowledge of automation tools and processes.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, design, and implement open-source tooling.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to resolve network issues.
• Deliver well-tested, reliable, and maintainable automation solutions.

Skills

Radio Access Network (RAN) Expertise

Scripting using Python

Collaboration with SMEs

Agile methodologies

Continuous learning mindset

Tools

Git

Jenkins

Postman

MS PowerApps

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of driving automation capabilities and innovative solutions across our Mobile Innovation Labs, with a strong focus on Radio Access Networks (RAN), remote access, and physical infrastructure. Your work will enable faster, smarter, and more reliable testing environments that underpin the evolution of our mobile network technologies. You’ll collaborate within a dynamic team to design and deliver automated open‑source scripts, tools, and test solutions that address complex technical and business challenges. By applying best practices, leveraging cutting‑edge technologies, and using your problem‑solving skills, you’ll help shape the future of network automation. This role isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about engagement and influence. You’ll work closely with technology delivery teams, business partners, and stakeholders to ensure solutions are robust, secure, and aligned with strategic goals. Your ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration will be key to delivering impactful outcomes. Ultimately, your contribution will accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of services for millions of customers—making this role critical to our success in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

This role is based in BT's Bristol office, & follows 3 days in office, 2 days from home.

During busy work periods, office attendance can be 5 days a week. This is a sporadic occurrence.

This role requires BPSS eligibility & ability to obtain BPSS Clearance.

What you’ll be doing

Develop and Deliver Automation Solutions

• Investigate, design, and implement open‑source tooling to automate services for MIL RAN and supporting infrastructure.
• Build and maintain tools that enable functional and performance testing, as well as automation of repetitive tasks.

Technical Build and Lab Support

• Own the technical build and ongoing support of Mobile Innovation Labs, ensuring robust, secure, and standardised test environments.
• Guarantee timely availability of lab resources and connectivity between internal and external systems, applying appropriate security measures.

Operational Alignment

• Collaborate with Operations teams to replicate and resolve live network issues within lab environments, preventing recurrence in production.

Continuous Improvement and Design

• Champion continuous improvement and agile design practices across services offered to Test, Design, and Operations teams.
• Drive innovation by identifying and implementing new testing tools and technologies aligned with enterprise standards and strategic partners.

Lab Architecture and Quality Assurance

• Define reusable lab build patterns and topologies for future solution designs.
• Establish test requirements for regression testing and in‑life quality assurance.

Agile Delivery

• Deliver well‑tested, reliable, and maintainable solutions at pace, ensuring customer satisfaction while maintaining sustainable team velocity.
• Proactively deliver incremental code and product improvements to meet business needs.

Upskilling and Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and upskill subject matter experts in RAN and infrastructure on automation, scripting, and software development practices.

Skills Required for the Role

Core Technical Skills

Radio Access Network (RAN) Expertise

• Strong understanding of architecture and principles underpinning RAN networks (2G–5G).
• Excellent knowledge of RAN configuration management (preferred, but not essential).
• Familiarity with network support and troubleshooting.

Operating Systems & Platforms

• Experience and willingness to learn and develop in Oracle, Linux/Red Hat, and other open‑source applications.

Testing & Project Lifecycle

• Excellent knowledge of testing methodologies and project lifecycles.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex designs within test and proof‑of‑concept networks.
• Deliver design documentation and communicate architecture effectively to relevant teams.

Additional Technical Exposure

• Working knowledge of automation in network environments.
• Automation & Development experience in scripting and automation using Python, Robot Framework, and other coding languages.
• Experience with GIT for version control and automation workflows.
• Ability to use MS PowerApps for automation tasks.

Soft Skills & Mindset

• Strong ability to assimilate information and learn new systems quickly.
• A continuous learning mindset with a thirst for improvement.
• Ability to collaborate with SMEs and cross‑functional teams to deliver automation solutions.

Experience Required for the Role

Automation & Development Tools

• Strong knowledge of Git, Jenkins, ITest, Postman, and similar automation or open‑source tools.
• Proven experience in scripting and automation using Python, Robot Framework, and other coding languages.
• Familiarity with Oracle, Linux/Red Hat, and open‑source platforms.

Testing & Troubleshooting

• Experience using tracing and diagnostic tools such as Wireshark, NetScout, or equivalent.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues spanning multiple systems and layers of the network.

Mobile Network Expertise

• Ability to clearly describe the key elements of a mobile network and explain how components function and interact.
• Competence in interpreting and implementing complex transport designs within test and proof‑of‑concept environments.

Collaboration & Agile Delivery

• Comfortable working within virtual and remote project teams, leveraging collaborative tools effectively.
• Experience delivering well‑tested, maintainable solutions in an agile environment.

Additional Technical Exposure

• Current experience in a wide range of automation development, with some exposure to RAN configuration management (preferred but not essential).
• Basic electronics prototyping (e.g., using Raspberry Pi to control relays).

Continuous Learning & Adaptability

• Strong ability to assimilate new information quickly and learn emerging technologies.
• Willingness to develop skills in open-source applications, Linux, and automation frameworks.

• 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 carers’ leave.
• World‑class training and development opportunities.
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.

About us

BT Group was the world’s first telco and our heritage in the sector is unrivalled. As home to several of the UK’s most recognised and cherished brands – BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet, we have always played a critical role in creating the future, and we have reached an inflection point in the transformation of our business. Over the next two years, we will complete the UK’s largest and most successful digital infrastructure project – connecting more than 25 million premises to full fibre broadband. Together with our heavy investment in 5G, we play a central role in revolutionising how people connect with each other. While we are through the most capital‑intensive phase of our fibre investment, meaning we can reward our shareholders for their commitment and patience, we are absolutely focused on how we organise ourselves in the best way to serve our customers in the years to come. This includes radical simplification of systems, structures, and processes on a huge scale. Together with our application of AI and technology, we are on a path to creating the UK’s best telco, reimagining the customer experience and relationship with one of this country’s biggest infrastructure companies. Change on the scale we will all experience in the coming years is unprecedented. BT Group is committed to being the driving force behind improving connectivity for millions and there has never been a more exciting time to join a company and leadership team with the skills, experience, creativity, and passion to take this company into a new era.

Although these roles are listed as full‑time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.