National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Systems Engineer
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Systems Engineer
Exceptional Opportunity: Systems Engineer in Time & Frequency
Join the global authority in precision timing at a critical moment in UK digital infrastructure.
About the Role
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with expertise in applying Systems Engineering principles and systems development approaches.
Backed by a £180 million government investment in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, we are pioneering a world-first resilient time distribution capability—a robust alternative to satellite systems (like GPS) vulnerable to solar storms, jamming, and spoofing. This initiative will safeguard essential services, enhancing:
- Telecommunications
- Online banking
- Emergency response
- Transport networks
- Digital and data-driven operations
These services form the foundation of modern society. Your leadership will help ensure security, reliability, and robustness, even during global navigation satellite system failures.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting early lifecycle systems engineering, including:
- Concept definition
- Functional decomposition
- Requirements development
- Defining system and subsystem architectures (boundaries, interfaces, packaging) in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Modelling and analysing system behaviour, interfaces, and performance to guide design and mitigate technical risk
- Identifying, assessing, and communicating technical risks, assumptions, and trade-offs effectively
- Producing structured systems engineering artefacts (requirements, architectures, models) efficiently and adheringly to processes
- Ensuring traceability from user needs to system requirements and design decisions across the lifecycle
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Essential Qualifications & Skills
About You
- Degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, Software) or a related discipline (e.g. Physics)
- Collaborative, proactive approach with confidence navigating technical ambiguity
Technical Experience
✔ Application of Systems Engineering to complex, multidisciplinary systems ✔ Early lifecycle roles: requirements definition, system architecture, modelling, or functional decomposition ✔ Hands-on experience with complex technical systems (e.g. instrumentation, research facilities, bespoke systems) ✔ Systems development methods (e.g. V-model, iterative, agile) ✔ Ability to create clear, structured technical artefacts (requirements, architectures, models)
Desirable Skills (Bonus but not compulsory)
- Time and frequency measurement, precision metrology
- Real-time monitoring/control of electronic/optical hardware
- Satellite networks, optical fibre infrastructure, or GNSS systems
- Background in research or laboratory-based engineering
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Security & Process Notes
- /// Nationality Residency: Due to role-sensitive security demands, you must have (or obtain) an SC security clearance (unrestricted).
- || Applications Review: This advert remains open to recheck]], and *closing may advance abruptly—apply early!
- || NPL’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Encourages applicants irrespective of background. Guaranteed interviews for disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme.
About NPL (National Physical Laboratory)
- Market-leading cutting-edge research in measurement science, engineering, and technology.
- Consistent focus on health/safety, flexible work, and diversity-inclusive culture.
- Fair recruitment practices uphold inclusivity—reasonable adjustments welcome; contact for discussions.
For more (and a peek into working life): [🔗Measure of Us - Overview](linkبان دانشمند نباشد)
[Security and inclusion align with NPL’s high-impact mission—confidentiality and civility are core to this organisation.] (Minor infolding/stylistic tweaks (e.g., "highlight priority") made no content cambios.)
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