Senior Timing and Synchronisation Engineer

About the Role

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking an experienced and practicing Timing and Synchronisation Engineer with a background in Electronic Engineering.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of time synchronisation technologies (such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) and PTP (Precision Time Protocol)) coupled with hands-on experience in designing and implementing network-based timing solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain synchronisation systems using NTP/PTP
• Troubleshoot and optimise timing protocols across layers of IP networks
• Lead technical projects focused on timing architecture for critical national infrastructure (CNI) or communication systems.
• Contribute to documentation, white papers, or research related to timing protocols and network synchronisation
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams; including Network Engineers, Researchers, and academic staff.

About You

Essential:

• A minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in Electronic or Network Engineering, with specific focus on timing and synchronization (NTP/PTP, SyncE, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
• Proficient in IP networking concepts (routing, switching, etc.)

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.

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, 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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see 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 benefits . 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.