System Engineer VII (m/f/d/x) - Functional Technical Lead - Open 6G Lab

About the Unit and the Open 6G Lab within Deutsche Telekom Group Technology is part of the Technology & Innovation Board Division of Deutsche Telekom. We shape and advance technological innovation to support Deutsche Telekom’s position as a leading digital telecommunications company. Within Group Technology, the Center for Technology Competence provides expertise for Deutsche Telekom’s Telco-as-a-Platform strategy and leads strategic innovation initiatives.

The Technology Strategic Enabler Plus Chapter provides a professional and collaborative home for technology strategy, business model innovation, ecosystem development, network sustainability and energy efficiency, and end-to-end solutions for technological innovation and business value creation. Employees work across internationally organized Tribes and on assignments coordinated with the Chapter Lead.

The Deutsche Telekom 6G Program provides the strategic framework for future 6G capabilities, technology choices, customer value, ecosystem positioning and international cooperation. The Open 6G Lab is an integral part of the program. It provides an experimental, testing and validation environment for 6G concepts, AI-native network functions, Open RAN technologies and strategic use cases.

The Lab works closely with the 6G Innovation Hub Berlin and collaborates across the program’s streams, including E2E Design & Solutions, Standardization, Ecosystem, Regulation & Governmental Representation, Customer Value & Strategy, Nat. Co Field Trials and the 6G Program Office. About the Position As Functional Technical Lead for the Open 6G Lab, you will help shape the Lab’s strategic direction, technical development and contribution to the Deutsche Telekom 6G Program.

The role combines functional leadership of a small expert team with ecosystem development, strategic partnerships, public funding and government engagement, international Open Lab cooperation, and technical direction. You will provide professional direction, coordinate priorities and work packages, support team development and enable alignment across Chapters, Tribes and 6G Program streams.

The role has functional leadership responsibility but no disciplinary personnel responsibility. Employees remain assigned to their respective Chapters, where line management and personnel responsibility are exercised. You will work closely with the relevant Chapter Leads to support professional development, feedback and effective collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

are Funtional technical leadership and strategic direction Ecosystem development and national and international networking Engagement with funding projects, government, ministry and universities Driving international open lab cooperations Development of Technology, Testing and service development Transfer of knowledge internally and externally at conferences Must-Have Skills Completed university degree in engineering, computer science, telecommunications, information technology or a comparable discipline, together with several years of relevant professional experience.

Experience leading strategically oriented technology projects, interdisciplinary teams or matrix-based collaborations. Strong understanding of communication networks and digital infrastructures. Experience in one or more relevant areas, such as 5G, 6G, Open RAN, cloud, virtualization, AI-RAN or digital twins. Experience with system and service development across several stages of the lifecycle, including concepts, implementation, integration, testing, error analysis or rollout.

Good knowledge of test procedures, test automation, system documentation or quality assurance. Knowledge of relevant market systems, technologies and tools. Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex technology into clear strategic recommendations. Fluency in English.

German language skills are an advantage, particularly for engagement with national stakeholders. Nice-to-Have Skills Experience with publicly funded collaborative projects, consortium management, funding proposals or cooperation with ministries and funding bodies is desirable. Experience managing stakeholders across research, industry, open-source communities, standardization or Open Labs is desirable.

You do not need to meet every desirable qualification to apply. We value relevant transferable experience, different professional pathways and the ability to learn in new areas. Personal Profile Strategic and impact-oriented approach, with the ability to turn complex technical opportunities into practical next steps. Ability to connect people, organizations, technologies and funding opportunities.

Ability to represent the Open 6G Lab clearly and credibly in senior management, government and international settings. Collaborative leadership style, proactive communication and accountability. Ability to manage changing priorities in a complex matrix organization. Ability to work effectively with functional leadership and Chapter-based personnel responsibility.

Commitment to open collaboration, technological sovereignty, knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation.

What We Offer

The opportunity to shape future network technologies and contribute to Deutsche Telekom’s 6G strategy. Collaboration with experts from technology, research, industry, standardization and public institutions Flexible Work Models: A flexible and collaborative way of working, subject to business and team requirements. Comprehensive Development: We invest in your growth with individual development plans, access to internal academies, external training, and conferences to continuously expand your expertise.

Opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing and mentoring within the 6G Program, Group Technology and the wider Deutsche Telekom technology community. International Team & Culture: An inclusive working environment in which different perspectives, backgrounds and career paths are valued. Become part of an agile, highly skilled, and international team characterized by collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

Modern Work Environment: An innovative workplace in the heart of Berlin, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools that enable efficient and creative work. Attractive Benefits: Enjoy a variety of benefits that promote your well-being, including health management, company pension schemes, and other employee discounts.

Work-Life Balance: We value a healthy balance and support you in optimizing your energy and performance. Our commitmenbt to inclusion We are committed to an inclusive selection process and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, also of women with engineering background.

Selection decisions are based on relevant qualifications, experience and potential. About Deutsche Telekom AG We feel as much at home in Bonn as we do in the 50 other countries around the globe where we provide our services. As one of the leading telecommunications providers in Europe, we also have a footprint in the markets in Asia and the United States.

We're on our way to become one of the industry's top service companies and want you to help us to get there. Do you think this job is made just for you? Then use the chance to apply online now! In case of equal qualification, disabled candidates will be considered preferentially. We look forward to getting in contact with you!

Your application to job advertisements outside of Deutsche Telekom AG may also be processed outside of Deutsche Telekom AG in other countries in Europe. This also applies to the processing of applications to subsidiaries of Deutsche Telekom AG. We would therefore like to make our employees with civil servant status aware of the following: you are not obligated to include documents relevant to your personnel records, in particular civil servant assessments.

However, you are free to provide these documents on a voluntary basis.