Research Technical Manager, Optical Networks (3 vacancies

Job Description

Job Title:

Research Technical Manager, Optical Networks (3 vacancies)

Job Function:
Product & Propositions

Division:
Networks

Job Location:

G  Bristol
- Assembly, G  Ipswich
- Orion Building

Advertised Salary:
Competitive with great benefits

Hiring Manager:
Andrew Lord

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 01/09/2026

Join BT’s optical networks research team to help shape the next generation of optical and quantum network capabilities. We’re recruiting three Research Technical Managers who will turn research into practical outcomes by building proofs of concept, developing demonstrations and leading work across lab, exchange and network environments.

These roles share a common foundation in optical networks and/or quantum networks, but we’re looking for a complementary mix of expertise across the three vacancies.

• In addition to the quantum networks expertise and optical networks expertise we are also looking for someone who will specialise in and lead projects
  - Experience leading complex technical or research projects from concept through to practical delivery.
• For our third vacancy, we are looking for someone who will bring their people leadership alongside a strong technical background.

The roles can be based in Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week.

• Lead the development of optical or quantum proofs of concept, demonstrations and field trials.
• Shape and deliver research projects that support BT’s future optical network, security and potential quantum service capabilities.
• Configure, connect and integrate test equipment and vendor equipment for lab experiments and operational trials.
• Verify optical network or quantum system performance in the lab.
• Build practical experimental setups using optical fibre, lasers, receivers and related systems.
• Support trials in operational environments, including exchanges, by installing and provisioning equipment.
• Provide technical direction and help colleagues deliver complex research activities.
• Depending on your experience, lead projects, coordinate teams and support the development of people.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across BT, as well as universities, vendors and organisations across the global optics and quantum ecosystem.
• Translate emerging research into capabilities that could support BT’s networks, customers and future products.

The expertise we’re looking for across the three vacancies, we’re looking for strength in one or more of the following sub-areas. You are not expected to be an expert in all three.

• Deep expertise in quantum networks, supported by a strong research profile.
• Experience contributing to respected research, publications, conferences or major quantum initiatives.
• The credibility to engage with leading specialists and help shape BT’s direction in quantum networking.

• Deep expertise in areas such as optical fibre, optical sensing, optical transmission or optical networking.
• Hands‑on experience building optical network demonstrators, provisioning optical networks or developing lab‑based systems.
• Practical experience working with optical equipment and translating research into network applications.

• Deep technical expertise:
  Significant expertise in optical networks and/or quantum networks. You do not need to specialise in both.
• Hands‑on research experience:
  Practical experience building, testing or demonstrating optical or quantum systems—not solely theoretical, modelling or desk‑based research.
• Technical leadership:
  The ability to lead research activities, influence technical direction and work effectively with colleagues and partners.

• Leading projects, teams or people in a research, technology or network environment.
• Building optical systems using components such as optical fibre, lasers and receivers.
• Optical transmission, optical networking, optical sensing or quantum systems.
• Configuring IP or Ethernet networks and associated vendor equipment.
• Deploying…