Hybrid Mechanical Engineer – Research

at BT Group

• Job title: Mechanical Engineer – Research
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: £NaN per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Ipswich, United Kingdom

About the role

• Mechanical Engineer responsible for leading mechanical design and prototyping of advanced tools and robotic systems. Focus on cable handling, excavation, safety and efficiency with an innovative approach in BT's Networks team.

Responsibilities

• You'll play a pivotal role leading the mechanical design, prototyping, and deployment of advanced tools and robotic systems.
• Your work will directly impact how we manage cable handling, excavation, and access to confined spaces—making operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.
• Applies mechanical engineering principles to develop and refine tools and devices used in physical infrastructure operations, including cable handling, excavation, and confined space access.
• Conducts testing and validation of mechanical prototypes in lab and field environments, iterating designs based on performance and feedback.
• Manages a complex Smart Tools and Robotics (STaR) research projects, ensuring alignment with and contribution to the overall maturity of the research strategy.
• Prototyping of new ideas, helping teams develop approaches and methods from previous experience, championing adoption of lessons learned within the team.
• Coordinates partnerships and engagements with downstream BT Group engineering teams to solve problems and identify trends and opportunities.
• Initiates and leads collaborative projects through consortia creation, proposal submission, execution and closure.
• Implements ways to improve working processes within the STaR area of research.
• Delivers and implements Field Engineering change initiatives and transformation activities that contribute to heightened customer experience.
• Champions and shares with team knowledge on emerging trends and changes in STaR technologies.
• Brings to light new field challenges based on field research.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in the design and development of physical systems and tools.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent CAD software for mechanical design, simulation, and documentation.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping techniques including 3D printing, machining, and iterative design processes to accelerate development cycles.
• Practical skills in metalworking, cutting, and forming, with an understanding of material properties and structural integrity.
• Familiarity with integrating mechanical components with electronics, including sensors, actuators, and embedded systems for smart tool development.
• Evidence of significant knowledge and skills relevant to Smart Tools and Robotics.
• Mechanical engineering degree (Beng/MEng), HNC/HND or strong academic record in a STEM subject and/or significant equivalent domain research experience.
• Regularly presents to peers and managers about their research and area of technical expertise.
• Ability to spot relevant innovations, horizon scanning, determine relevance for the business, develop effective conceptualisation and build trials to test the concept.

Benefits

• 10% on target bonus
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• 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 carer’s leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes