Lead Systems Engineer

About the Role

Our is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer with experience across full lifecycle system engineering and leadership of complex systems architecture .

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure.

Backed by a government investment of £180 million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme , we are developing a world-first resilient time distribution capability that will provide industry with a robust complement to satellite systems (such as GPS) – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing. This will underpin essential services, including

• Telecommunications,
• Online banking,
• Emergency response,
• Transport networks, and
• Wider digital and data-driven operations.

Together, these services form the backbone of modern society - and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.

Key responsibilities :

• Collaborative Technical 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 identified, emergent system properties are managed and effective 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: Maintain a robust system of systems architecture and maintain integrity across subsystems throughout the full lifecycle from requirements to IV&V.

• 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

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 Systems Engineering, Computer Science or Electronic Engineering

• Experience applying System Engineering across the full delivery lifecycle with leadership experience in some areas

• Experience working on large technical delivery programmes and engaging with key stakeholders to address evolving requirements;

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts;

• Familiarity with development lifecycles and methodologies (such as vee model, agile, spiral development, etc.)

Highly desirable:

• Experience in time and frequency measurement and time scales

• Experience working on complex system of systems architecture and deliveries

• Experience of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) and using tools such as Sparx Enterprise Architect

• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant Institution

• Experience working in cutting-edge innovation and transitioning concepts through to operation

• 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