Wireless, Research Manager

About the role

BT’s Wireless Research Team explores the technologies that will shape future radio access and Wi‑Fi networks. We investigate how emerging wireless capabilities can improve network performance, efficiency, resilience and architectural flexibility, and how they can enable new services for BT and its customers.

Our research informs technology design, network strategy, architecture and future service propositions across BT. We work across horizon scanning, modelling, simulation, lab experimentation, field trials, standards engagement, techno‑economic analysis and collaboration with vendors, universities and wider industry bodies.

Our work includes:

• Advanced modelling, simulation and analysis of wireless connectivity technologies and use cases; lab‑based hypothesis testing for technologies such as SU/MU‑MIMO, active antenna systems, channel access mechanisms and emerging wireless sensing or spatial awareness capabilities; radio channel measurements and contribution to field trials.
• Techno‑economic analysis to assess the practical, commercial and operational implications of emerging technologies.
• Engagement with standards bodies, vendors, universities and industry fora to understand and influence the wider wireless ecosystem.
• Collaboration with internal business, network architecture, design and strategy stakeholders to ensure research has a viable path to adoption.

This role can be based in London, Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week. The role closes for applications on 03/06/26.

• Apply your technical depth, industry experience and research judgement to identify important technology questions, frame them into practical research activities, and lead work that progresses promising ideas from early investigation toward evidence‑based recommendations, proof‑of‑concept demonstrations, standards influence or adoption by internal stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of emerging wireless technology trends, supplier roadmaps, standards evolution, network architecture implications and BT’s commercial and operational priorities. Use this insight to shape a research agenda that is technically credible, strategically relevant and grounded in practical deployment constraints.
• Provide technical leadership across research and operational activities, working with domain experts, vendors, universities and internal stakeholders to deliver outcomes that influence technology choices, network evolution and future service propositions.

• Strong industry experience in wireless communications, including a good understanding of the mobile ecosystem, supplier landscape, standards activity and technology evolution.
• A solid understanding of mobile network architecture, including how networks are planned, deployed, operated and evolved.
• Experience leading applied research or advanced technology projects, from problem formulation through to evidence generation, proof of concept, recommendation or adoption.

• Strong technical judgement, including the ability to assess feasibility, maturity, risk, implementation complexity and likely business value.
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics to both expert and non‑expert audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style, with enthusiasm for mentoring others, building shared direction and delivering high‑quality research outcomes.

• Experience in 3
  
  GPP, IEEE 802.11, the Wi‑Fi Alliance or other relevant standards bodies.
• Significant responsibility for a standards feature, work item, study item, technology or ecosystem initiative.
• A strong awareness of industry trends and technology developments in mobile, Wi‑Fi and broader wireless communication systems.
• Practical, hands‑on experience with carrier‑grade testbeds, wireless labs, experimental platforms or field trials.
• Experience managing or technically leading applied research projects from early concept through to technology readiness, trial, transfer or adoption.
• Experience with techno‑economic analysis, including assessment of cost, deployment complexity, operational impact and commercial opportunity.

• 10% on target annual bonus.
• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family.
• Market‑leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off.
• Equalised maternity, paternity and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay.
• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband.
• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us.
• Holiday purchase scheme.