National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
System Engineer
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System Engineer
Systems Engineer – Time & Frequency Systems Development
Time & Frequency Department, National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with specialist expertise in applying Systems Engineering principles and systems development approaches.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a pivotal moment for UK digital infrastructure. With £180 million of government investment in the National Timing Centre (NTC), we are developing a world-first resilient time distribution capability—a critical alternative to satellite-based navigation systems (such as GPS), which are increasingly vulnerable to solar storms, jamming, and spoofing. Our work will directly underpin the reliability of:
- Telecommunications
- Online banking
- Emergency response
- Transport networks
- Digital and data-driven operations—the backbone of modern society.
Your technical leadership will be essential in ensuring these vital services remain secure, reliable, and robust, even if global navigation systems fail.
Key Responsibilities
- Systems Engineering Leadership
- Support early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including concept definition, functional decomposition, and requirements development
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to define system and subsystem architectures, including boundaries, interfaces, and packaging
- Develop, analyse, and refine models of system behaviour, performance, and risks to inform design decisions and mitigate technical uncertainty
- Identify, assess, and communicate technical risks, assumptions, and trade-offs clearly and effectively
- Produce Clear, well-structured systems engineering artefacts (requirements, architectures, design models) to high standards of quality
- Ensure full traceability from user needs to system requirements and design decisions across the entire product lifecycle
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About You: Essential Requirements
Education & Experience
- Degree in Engineering (e.g., Systems, Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, Software) or a closely related discipline (e.g., Physics)
- Collaborative, proactive mindset with confidence working in technically ambiguous environments
Technical Skills
- Proven expertise in applying Systems Engineering principles to complex, multidisciplinary system design and development
- Experience in:
- Requirements definition
- System architecture development
- Functional decomposition
- System modelling & trade-off analyses
- Hands-on hands-on working experience with complex technical systems (e.g., instrumentation, research platforms, or bespoke engineering projects)
- Familiarity with systems development frameworks (e.g., V-model, iterative, or agile approaches)
- Ability to produce structured technical documents (requirements specs, architectural blueprints, simulations)
Security Clearance
- Security clearance requirements:
- Must hold (or be able to obtain) Supply Chain Security (SC) clearance, with no security restrictions
- The role imposes additional residency and nationality restrictions due to regulatory frameworks.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Timekeeping & metrology: experience with time distribution systems, precision scaling, or metrological instruments
- Hardware/software control: proficiency in real-time monitoring and control of optical/electronic systems
- Navigation & telecoms: familiarity with satellite communications, optical fibre networks, or GNSS-based timing
- Laboratory-based engineering: experience in research-focused or high-precision engineering environments
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About NPL: Our Commitment to You
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a UK National Measurement Institute, driving innovation in science, engineering, and digital infrastructure for societal prosperity. We are a UK Government science and technology facility within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Why Join Us?
- Mission Impact: Contribute to founding a world-first UK National Timing Centre—a critical capability with global significance.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Égalité candidates from all backgrounds. In particular, we are active in promoting women, disabled, and ethnic minority applicants under the Disability Confident Scheme.
- Security and Splendor: The role requires security clearance compatible with approved residency/relocation policies.
- Career Growth: Opportunity to work with leading measurement engineers and scientists in a incentivised, research-driven environment.
- Work-Life Balance: NPL offers flexible wiring, wellness initiatives, social engagement, and a culture that values individual Specialisation.
Applications & Important deadlines
- This position operates rolling recruitment by slots. Closing deadline may be extended forward at any stage convey clear interviews and recruitment progression.
- Encouraged applications are made as soon as convenient after this notice.
- No restrictions on academic background or expanding credentials. However, the mandatory security clearance requires processing through BS9999 / National Security Clearance guidelines.
clonal link to NPL [Pl intéressant site for reading collaboration]
Mark views: The measure of us [career, benefits and organizational culture]
Diversity & Inclusion: [link to details about NPL and DSIT programmes]
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