Graduate Engineer – IT Platforms and Cyber

About the Role

Launch your career in IT and Cyber Operations 

IT Platforms and Cyber Engineer role at UKTL build and protect the environments within our lab.

Are you interested in building, supporting and defending cutting edge network environments?

The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) Graduate Programme offers the chance to work on cutting-edge telecoms technologies while helping to secure and operate critical infrastructure that supports the UK's digital future.

UKTL also offers Graduate Engineer roles in Security Research and Testing. Before submitting your application, we encourage you to review both opportunities and choose the one that best aligns with your interests, skills and career aspirations. Please submit one application only.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate IT Platforms and Cyber Engineer, you'll join one of the following teams:

• Cyber Security Operations and Capabilities Development
• Network Connectivity, Telecommunication & IT Platforms.

Through your placements, you could gain exposure to a broad range of cyber security and telecoms disciplines, including cyber risk management, security operations, governance, compliance, incident response, cyber resilience and security architecture. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to the design, build and support of the IT and telecoms systems that enable UKTL's world-leading testing and research programmes. Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll develop an understanding of how security, infrastructure and operational technologies are embedded within business processes, research activities and technical decision-making, while helping to manage and support the critical systems used across UKTL.

You'll receive structured development, mentoring and technical training throughout the two-year programme, giving you the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in IT platforms, cyber security, and telecoms.

Your work could include:

• Monitoring and securing critical telecoms and digital infrastructure
• Supporting Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC) activities and threat monitoring
• Working with networking, cloud and emerging telecommunications technologies
• Supporting RAN, Packet Core and next-generation mobile network environments
• Investigating cyber security incidents, vulnerabilities and emerging threats
• Improving cyber resilience, operational performance and security controls
• Contributing to security governance, risk management and compliance activities
• Building, maintaining and securing telecoms platforms and services
• Working with enterprise IT platforms and services that support UKTL's testing and research environments
• Deploying, managing and optimising virtualisation and containerisation platforms
• Supporting the delivery, maintenance and continuous improvement of operational IT services
• Helping to build and manage the IT infrastructure that enables UKTL's research, testing and laboratory activities
• Promoting security awareness and supporting best practice across teams

About You

Desired degree backgrounds

We welcome applications from any degree background but typically our graduates' study Cyber Security, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic or Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and other STEM disciplines.

We'd be especially interested if you have done any of the following:

• Completed academic projects, coursework or research related to cyber security, infrastructure, networking or cloud technologies
• Participated in cyber security competitions, Capture the Flag (CTF) events, hackathons or coding challenges
• Undertaken a work experience within an IT, cyber security or technology environment
• Built or supported technical solutions as part of university projects, personal initiatives or collaborative assignments
• Explored topics such as security operations, threat detection, incident response, risk management or cyber resilience
• Completed relevant certifications, online learning or independent study to develop your technical knowledge

We don't assess candidates on spelling, grammar, or their ability to write polished responses. Instead, we're interested in your genuine experiences, motivation, and passion for the role. We expect you to be ready to share more about the exciting things you've put in your application.

Security Clearance

We actively recruit people from all backgrounds. Due to the nature of the work within UKTL, successful candidates will be required to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance before starting employment.

As part of the graduate programme, you may have the opportunity to work across different teams and projects. Some roles within the department require a higher level of clearance, including Developed Vetting (DV). Where this may be relevant to your career pathway, it will be discussed with you during the interview process and throughout the programme.

You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

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 the Recruitment Process

We're looking for curious, passionate problem-solvers who want to help shape the future of the UK's telecoms ecosystem. Our selection process is designed to help us understand your potential, not just your experience.

• Submit your application
• If shortlisted, complete an online assessment
• Attend a virtual first-stage interview
• If selected, you'll be invited to an Assessment Centre at our Solihull office in January or February 2027 (date to be confirmed)
• Successful candidates will join UKTL in September 2027

We'll keep you informed throughout the process and look forward to learning more what you can bring to the team.

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