Engineer / Higher Engineer - Acoustics

We are recruiting for a Acoustic Engineer / Calibration Technician to join our ultrasound and underwater acoustics team based in Wraysbury. In the role, you will perform a variety of tasks involved in the delivery of science and operation of the science facilities and related capabilities. You will be part of the underwater acoustics team at NPL, directed by senior staff in the group.

The primary facility that you will be based at is a floating test and calibration laboratory located on a reservoir setting (Wraysbury). As such the working environment encompasses a level of year-round outdoor activity. Whist the work is of a technical nature with emphasis on accuracy with attention to detail, the role requires a physical and practical skills with a solution focused approach.

The job requires you to possess an aptitude for precise and meticulous practical work showing attention to detail. The main requirements of the role include:

• Preparing and carrying out practical experimental work using a variety of test facilities for research projects and for external customers
• upkeep of the test facilities, including a variety of operational and maintenance tasks
• maintaining a clean, sustainable and safe working environment, adhering to all rules for Health and Safety, and Security;
• good timekeeping, ability to complete tasks to high quality within agreed timescales, and flexibility to enable occasional working between several facility locations, the primary location being at the reservoir based facility

Please note this role is known internally as a Scientist or Higher Scientist.

As a Engineer/Higher Engineer within the underwater acoustics team, although no specific experience or knowledge within acoustics is required, you would ideally have a background and experience to clearly demonstrate the ability to rapidly become familiar with and successfully operate a variety of measurement instrumentation.

What you will bring to the role:

• Proven experience within a Laboratory/Engineering environment
• Ability to work independently, be pro-active and collaborate as part of a team
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• A mechanically-minded aptitude
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work within a changing environment, recognise problems and take pre-emptive action

• Experience delivering technical aspects of measurement services
• Technical experience or education within acoustics or underwater acoustics
• Test and calibration of measurement equipment and instrumentation
• Experience working within an accreditation and quality driven environment
• Understanding and experience in the use of LabVIEW

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance, for this role specifically, would will also need to be able to successfully obtain an SC clearance.

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.

• 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. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

  NPL and DSIT 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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on 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 rewards, benefits and recognition. 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.