Future Network Technologist - AI

Digital Catapult is seeking a talented and motivated Future Network Technologist to support the design, implementation, and delivery of AI-native observability and self-healing frameworks within the scope of advanced 6G research. The successful candidate will directly contribute to projects around AI for Networks. The Technologist that will join the team will leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) for automated monitoring, orchestration and remediation in cloud-native, disaggregated telecom infrastructures - helping to shape the next generation of intelligent, resilient networks. 

In this role, you’ll design, implement, and deploy intelligent networking systems powered by large language models, intent-based automation, and cloud-native architectures. You’ll work alongside interdisciplinary experts in a fast-paced, exploratory environment where your ideas and expertise will help define tomorrow’s networks. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties) 

• AI-Assisted Observability Development 

-Design and implement telemetry pipelines using Prometheus, OpenTelemetry, and Elastic. 

-Ingest and analyse metrics, logs, and traces from CNFs, edge nodes, and service mesh environments. 

• LLM-Based Self-Healing Systems 

-Deploy and fine-tune open-source LLMs (e.g. LLaMA, Mistral) to detect anomalies and misconfigurations. 

-Integrate with frameworks like LangChain to enable Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for diagnostics. 

-Translate AI outputs into executable Kubernetes remediation actions. 

• Platform Orchestration & Integration 

-Extend and integrate with Digital Catapult’s orchestration frameworks (e.g. CAMINO, ANEMOS). 

-Design self-healing loops and automation flows aligned with ETSI ZSM and AI-native networking principles. 

• System Evaluation & Testbed Deployment 

-Use failure injection techniques in 6G testbeds to assess detection and resolution latency (e.g. MTTR). 

-Benchmark against rule-based or static baselines. 

• Collaboration & Dissemination 

-Work closely with academic and industry partners (King’s College London, Hull, Brunel, etc.). 

-Contribute to publications, reports, open-source contributions, and CHEDDAR community activities. 

• AI & ML Expertise: Hands-on experience with machine learning, data preprocessing, and deploying/fine-tuning LLMs (e.g., Transformers, RAG, LangChain). 

• Cloud & DevOps Skills: Proficient with Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, and cloud-native observability tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and OpenTelemetry. 

• Programming & Networking Know-How: Strong Python skills (PyTorch, tokenization, etc.) plus solid understanding of networking and application-layer protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP). 

• Advanced Connectivity technologies: Knowledge of AI-driven, intent-based networking, service meshes, CNFs, and emerging 5G/6G architectures (OpenRAN, RICs, DU/CU). 

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent at working across disciplines, explaining complex ideas simply, and thriving in fast-moving, innovative environments. 

Deadline for Applications: 8th August 2025 

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society.  

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. 

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process. 

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer. 

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• 5% performance related bonus
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.