National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Higher Engineer
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About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent position as a Higher Engineer/Higher Scientist to join the Power Networks Team within NPL’s Electromagnetic Technologies Group. This role is suitable for an early career engineer, physicist, applied scientist, or post-doctoral researcher who is looking to apply and develop their expertise in measurement science, instrumentation, data analysis, and power system monitoring within a collaborative research environment.
The Power Networks Team conducts research and development in advanced measurement methods and instrumentation to enable intelligent monitoring of electricity grids. The UK electricity grid is undergoing a major transformation as it prepares to operate with zero carbon emissions by 2030.
While new technologies such as wind and solar generation, batteries, electric vehicle charging stations, and heat pumps bring major environmental benefits, they also introduce new technical challenges for maintaining grid stability and power quality. Power grid operators therefore need new and improved monitoring tools to gain a deeper insight and run the grid reliably and efficiently. The Power Networks Team at NPL works with UK industry partners, as well as national and international research organisations to ensure that next-generation grid measurement solutions are fit-for-purpose.
You will be closely collaborating with the team to support activities including:
- Setting up and safely operating laboratory testbeds for electrical measurements related to various power grid phenomena (e.g. harmonics, frequency deviations)
- Developing software for automatic hardware configuration and data analysis
- Designing, developing, and testing new measurement methods and instrumentation for power quality and grid stability monitoring
- Preparing and deploying instrumentation for field measurement campaigns at locations across the UK and Europe
- Collaborating with international research organisations and universities within R&D projects
- Communicating research outcomes through publications, reports, posters, and oral presentations at events such as symposia and international conferences
This role is an opportunity to work with a team of researchers to address cutting-edge measurement challenges in electricity networks. The work combines applied physics, metrology, instrumentation, data analysis, and power systems, and is project-based and varied.
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This means that we continually adapt our skills and capabilities to solve new problems. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and able to adapt quickly to new and evolving technical challenges.
About You
To be successful in this role, we require:
- A degree in a STEM discipline, preferably in electrical/electronic engineering or the physical sciences
- Experience in electrical/electronic engineering, applied physics, instrumentation, measurement science, or a related technical field, gained through advanced research (such as a PhD) or equivalent experience
- Experience in one or more of the following: power system analysis, modelling, power quality, phasor measurements, power electronics, control systems, applied physics, instrumentation, signal processing, uncertainty analysis, or practical laboratory work involving measurement systems, sensors, electronics, or experimental physics
- Experience of working on research or innovation projects, including independently delivering work to a high standard and within set timeframes, for example leading a substantial task or work package
- Experience in at least one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: Matlab, LabView, C/C++
- Experience of scientific writing such as reports and publications
- Experience of working and communicating effectively within a team and with external project collaborators or customers
- Curiosity and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and be proactive
- Ability to cope with change and ambiguities
- Willingness to travel occasionally to locations across the UK and internationally for field measurement campaigns, partner meetings, and conferences
We would also welcome if you have any of the following experience:
- Data analysis and/or digital signal processing, e.g. Fourier Transform, filters
- Planning, delivering, and documenting laboratory or field experiments
- Measurement, calibration, and/or uncertainty analysis
- Presenting research results through posters and oral presentations at symposia and international conferences
- Mentoring junior team members
- Working with electricity system stakeholders, such as distribution system operators, transmission system operators, or power generators
- Supporting the development of research proposals, bids, or funding applications
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.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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