Graduate Engineer – Telecoms Security

• About the Role
• Launch Your Career in Telecoms Security with UKTL

Are you ready to make a real impact in the world of telecoms? If you're a recent graduate with a passion for technology, security, and innovation, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) Graduate Programme could be the perfect next step for you.

What You'll Be Doing
As a Graduate Engineer on our two-year programme, you'll dive into some of the biggest challenges facing the UK's telecoms industry. You'll be part of a team that's shaping the future of secure communications, working on projects that matter—from cyber resilience to cutting-edge security research.

You'll be matched with a team based on your background and interests, and after three months, we'll check in to make sure it's the right fit. Throughout the programme you will be gaining hands-on experience, training, and access to a network of experts.

Your work will boost national priorities such as:

• Security– Tackling cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure.
• Resilience – promoting infrastructure that drives innovation and growth.
• Diversification – Strengthening the UK's telecoms supply chain.
• Research & Development – Innovating secure products and identifying vulnerabilities.

Where You Could Work
Graduate placements are available in:

• Cyber Security
• Networks & Infrastructure
• Telco Systems (ORAN / RAN / Packet Core / Device Security Evaluation)
• Vulnerability Research
• Security Testing

You'll be based at our Solihull site, working on lab-based or data-driven projects that blend practical and theoretical learning. You will collaborate with different teams, explore emerging technologies, and build a strong foundation for your future career. Plus, you will be a core member of the team, working alongside and learning from industry leading experts and given access to cutting-edge tools to help you grow.

What We Can Offer You

• Two years' experience as a Graduate Engineer, followed by a permanent position at UKTL (specific role based on business needs, your skills and security clearance)
• Structured learning pathways, depending on your specialism and significant investment in your technical development
• Core professional skills development programme

About The Process

• Complete Online Assessment
• Remote 1st stage Interview
• If you're selected, you'll attend an assessment centre, which will be held Solihull in Spring 2026

• If successful, we look forward to welcoming you in September 2026

• About You

• We're looking for graduates who bring fresh perspectives and a drive to learn. If you're curious, collaborative, and ready to take on complex challenges, we want to hear from you.

What you will bring to the Graduate Engineer role:

• Have achieved or be on target to achieve a degree, or equivalent in Computer Science, Cyber Security or Electronic / Electrical Engineering or similar STEM discipline.
• Be a team player with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Enjoy problem-solving and thinking critically.
• Have a genuine interest in security and attention to detail.
• Appreciate the importance of customer service and delivering high-quality work.
• Be dedicated to your personal development and open to learning.
• Be eligible to live and work in the UK and able required clearances (we're unable to sponsor visas currently).
• Ideally you may have been actively involved in "Capture the Flag" Activities or other Cyber Security Clubs/Societies at University.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to also work in this role you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance. For more information on these checks, we encourage all applicants to spend some time reading the government guidance regarding vetting located on the website.

We want to hear
your
story—your ideas, your experiences, and your aspirations. Please complete your application without using AI tools, so we can get to know the real you and what makes you stand out.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us
UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL)

Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G,and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.

Read more about the UKTL here
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 are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of 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.