Network Engineer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking a Network Engineer with hands-on network design, implementation and operational experience.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference. 

You’ll enjoy collaborating with prominent Scientists, Engineers, and Specialists in Cyber Security, to design and implement network infrastructure to time, quality, and cost.

Key responsibilities:

•  Design and Architecture:  Contribute towards the creation of comprehensive network designs that support the unique needs of scientific and engineering capabilities, ensuring robustness, scalability, and security.

•  Build and Specification: Contribute to the specification, selection, and procurement of networking equipment, ensuring compatibility and integration with existing and future components.

•  Configuration and Implementation: Configure and deploy networking solutions, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices, tailored to the specific requirements of each project.

•  Testing: Execute integration tests where appropriate, meticulously documenting, and analysing results to identify potential areas for improvement.

•  Troubleshooting and Support: Assist with the troubleshooting of complex network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance of the wider system infrastructure. 

Essential:

• Relevant academic and professional qualifications, or equivalent hands-on experience

• Design and commission and in-life support of network solutions using  enterprise-grade infrastructure components (WAN services, Routers, Firewalls, Switches) in both Wide Area, Local Area and Datacentre deployments

• Experience of network security solutions and their deployment

• Experience with network monitoring software/tools

Highly-desirable:

• Current “Professional” level vendor accreditations in Routing/Switching/Security or Service Provider

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.  

However, to work in this role in the Time & Frequency department, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to 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.