• Careers Site Advertising End Date
    13 Feb 2026
  • Internal Advertising End Date
    13 Feb 2026
  • All Locations
    Teddington, United Kingdom
  • All Departments
    Optical Frequency Metrology
  • Vacancy Type
    Permanent
  • About the Role

  • We’re seeking practicing and experienced Lead Systems Engineer to join ourworld-leading Time and Frequency Department. 

    We maintain and develop the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale that will underpin our Digital Infrastructure.  

    You will be joining at an exciting time, as we drive the maturation of our systems and network engineering capabilities, and lead the architecture and deployment of NPL’s time scale. This is a pivotal role in shaping technical strategy, advancing world-class engineering practices, and delivering solutions that underpin the UK’s time and frequency infrastructure. 

    As Lead Systems Engineer in the delivery programme of our new resilient Time Scale facilityyou will be working alongside prominent Scientists, Engineers, and experts in Time and frequency transfer, and optical networksYou will enjoy a pivotal role in developing solutions to critical technical challenges whilst applying new and leading-edge techniques and technologies.

     
    Key responsibilities:
     
    • Collaborative Leadership: Lead with influence across multi-disciplinary teams and senior stakeholders; to shape technical strategy, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with NPL’s mission.
     
    •  Risk Management & Mitigation: Oversee the delivery of solutions that address ambiguity and challenges in a timely manner, ensuring that risks are effectively managed and mitigation actions are clearly communicated. 
     
    • Systems Engineering Maturation: Drive the advancement of Systems Engineering within the Time & Frequency department; by establishing world-class practices, developing innovative solutions, and building new capabilities aligned with NPL’s strategic direction. 
     
    • Architectural Integrity: Ensuring system architecture and frameworks meet technical requirements maintaining integrity across subsystems and lead the development of high-level designs and interface definitions; delivering robust, scalable, and technically aligned design solutions. 
     
    • Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to governance standards across quality, health, safety, security, and environmental legislation; minimising business risk and enhancing NPL’s reputation. 
     
    • Team Leadership: Inspire and lead your team to achieve high performance, foster motivation, and support individual potential and development.
  • About You

  • Reporting to a Group Leader, you’ll enjoy responsibility for the development of systems plans; to time, quality and cost. You’ll utilise analytical and technical skills to contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of systems to push the boundaries of measurement accuracy and stability. 

    To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications: 

     Essential:

    • A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant technical field; such as Computer Science or Electronic Engineering
    • Previous experience leading a team in the design of complex systems
    • Experience working on large technical delivery programmes and engaging with key stakeholders to address evolving requirements; 
    • Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts; 
    • Familiarity with development methodologies (such as agile, iterative, etc.)

    Highly desirable:

    • Experience in time and frequency measurement and time scales
    • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for critical infrastructure
    • Leadership in technical innovation and capability building 
     

    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.

  • 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. 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 recognitionOur 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.

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