Senior Time and Frequency Engineer Full Time

National Physical Laboratory
About the Role

We have opportunities for experienced and talented senior engineers to join our expanding National Time Scale Group, which forms part of the Time & Frequency Department.

We are looking to add to our expanding team of multi-disciplined scientists and engineers in the National Timing Centre – NPL to provide technical leadership on time scale related projects. This will contribute to developing future key time and frequency infrastructure within the UK.

You will lead development of subsystems in a robust Time Scale for the UK based on atomic clocks and other timing equipment distributed across multiple locations in the UK. Advanced time and frequency, satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS-based and monitoring subsystems will be tested and implemented to achieve this. The role offers the opportunity to work in collaboration with external organisations.

You will be joining the National Time Scale Group, part of our Time & Frequency Department ( ) at an exciting time. We maintain and develop the UK’s National Time Scale UTC(NPL) and are currently developing a new time scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. We also provide timing services to financial institutions for share trading, along with working on a range of time and frequency dissemination projects, many being GNSS-related.

Find out more at NPL Time & Frequency Recruitment

We are interested in ambitious candidates with an aptitude for scientific or engineering innovation, hardware and software development and systems testing, looking to build their careers in a diverse environment.

Responsibilities will include one or more of:

• Leading a team of systems engineers and scientists to deliver projects to time, quality and cost.
• Leading the design and implementation of hardware and software for satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS-based time and frequency transfer techniques for comparing distant atomic clocks.
• Developing novel time dissemination systems, equipment and applications to support UK sovereign and industry needs.
• Working closely with the whole team to develop high-specification solutions.
• Interacting with internal and external stakeholders to determine their needs and meet their expectations.

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance – if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

You will have experience in the following:
Essential

• A postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of science or engineering such as satellite navigation systems (GNSS), SATCOM, communications or systems engineering.
• Evidence of postgraduate experience, industrial or R&D, in software engineering applications (i.e. Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB).
• Ability to lead a team of systems engineers and provide training.
• Demonstrable ability to lead on systems engineering processes including requirements, design and implementation.
• Experience in time and frequency measurement/Time scales.
• Knowledge of principles of software design, development, testing and evaluation.
• Experience of preparing user, functional and non-functional requirements.
• Experience in software version control.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing your time according to priorities.
• A rigorous approach to problem solving and ability to develop solutions to difficult problems.
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to interact dynamically within a team.

Advantageous

• Experience of working on systems engineering projects from start to completion.
• Experience of working on software for robust operational systems.
• Knowledge of SATCOM, optical fibre and GNSS-based systems.

• Real-time monitoring and control of electronic hardware.
• Work experience within an engineering or research and development environment.
• An interest in R&D and laboratory work.
• Experience in atmospheric propagation of radio/microwave signals or space science/systems.

Please note, a pplications 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.

If you are applying for this position and you have been displaced by the Ukrainian crisis, please apply and email email protected or text highlighting you are applying under the “We support Ukraine” initiative – Ukraine employment support – NPL

About Us

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.

NPL and BEIS 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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see 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 benefits . 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.