Lead Systems Engineer

About the Role

We’re seeking a practicing and e xperienced Lead Systems Engineer to join our world-leading Time and Frequency Department .

We maintain and develop the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a  new resilient Time Scale that will underpin our Digital Infrastructure.

You will be joining at an exciting time , as we drive the maturation of our systems and network engineering capabilities , and lead the architecture and deployment of NPL’s time scale. This is a pivotal role in shaping technical strategy, advancing world-class engineering practices, and delivering solutions that underpin the UK’s time and frequency infrastructure.

As Lead Systems Engineer in the delivery programme of our new resilient Time Scale facility , you will be w orking alongside prominent Scientists , Engineers , and experts in Time and frequency transfer, and optical networks . Y ou will enjoy a pivotal role in  develop ing solutions to critical technical challenges whilst applying new and leading-edge techniques and technologies.

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborative 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 managed and 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: Ensuring system architecture and frameworks meet technical requirements maintaining integrity across subsystems and lead the development of high-level designs and interface definitions; delivering robust, scalable, and technically aligned design solutions.

• 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

Reporting to a Group Leader, you’ll enjoy responsibility for the development of systems plans; to time, quality and cost. You’ll utilise analytical and technical skills to contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of systems to push the boundaries of measurement accuracy and stability.

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 Computer Science or Electronic Engineering

• Previous experience leading a team in the design of complex systems

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

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

• Familiarity with development methodologies (such as agile, iterative, etc.)

Highly desirable:

• Experience in time and frequency measurement and time scales

• 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