National Physical Laboratory

National Physical Laboratory is seeking a senior telecoms expert to influence global connectivity and secure telecom architecture. In this role, you'll represent UKTL within international standards bodies, shaping the future of telecom networks. Strong knowledge of global telecom ecosystems, technical standards, and UK regulations is required. You'll lead strategic decisions affecting government and vendor interactions while translating complex ideas into actionable strategies. Secure SC clearance might be needed post-application.

Help shape the future of secure telecoms You're not just another telecoms expert-you're someone who wants to influence the future of global connectivity. You understand how networks work today, but you're equally driven by how they should evolve tomorrow: more secure, more resilient, and secure by design from the ground up. If that sounds like you, this is your opportunity to step into a high impact, senior role where your technical voice will be heard, internationally. What you'll be doing You'll represent UKTL on the global stage, working within international standards bodies to influence how telecom networks are designed, secured, and governed in the future. Your insight won't just stay in the room-you'll bring it back, shape strategy, and translate complexity into clear, actionable direction. Day to day, you will Lead internationally Be a trusted technical authority Translate complexity into clarity Shape the future of telecom architecture Inspire and support others Keep your finger on the pulse The impact you'll have How telecom networks are secured globally The UK's position within international standards Strategic decisions across government, operators, and vendors The development of future telecom technologies You bring A solid grasp of global telecom ecosystems and standards environments, particularly 3GPP and GSMA. Expertise in areas including: Mobile or fixed core networks AI in telecoms Security principles and their translation in Standards Mobile authentication Non terrestrial (satellite) networks Experience interpreting and influencing technical standards An understanding of UK telecom regulations and operational security, and how this fits on a global stage The ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to both technical and non technical audiences Strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted. SC clearance with no restrictions is required. You won't just contribute, you'll lead, guide, and shape.

We are hiring a Scientist to join NPL's Quantum Software & Modelling team in the Quantum Technologies Department. You will be a vital part of NPL's team contributing to achieve the UK's mission to deliver an accessible UK-based quantum computer capable of running 1 trillion operations. The exciting and innovative research will be done in collaboration with experimental teams at NPL, as well as leading national and international quantum computing companies and Universities. Areas of Research Development of quantum computing and classical computing algorithms and software for applications in materials science, chemistry, machine learning and AI Development of machine learning and other AI approaches for large scale automation and modelling of quantum technologies Theory and algorithms for open quantum systems to determine the physical decoherence mechanisms in qubits Development of methods to determine the effects of noise on quantum algorithms and quantum error correction Qualifications and Experience You'll have a degree, M.Sc. or equivalent experience in one of computational physics, chemistry, mathematics, AI, data science, computer science, quantum technologies or related subjects. You will need to demonstrate expertise in at least one, and preferably more, of the following areas: Development of quantum computing algorithms and software Development of machine learning algorithms and software Development of tensor networks algorithms and software Development of algorithms and software for materials or chemistry simulations and their application Development of models and software for open quantum systems Developments of methods for quantum error correction Development of automation algorithms and software In this role you'll develop a programme of research, commercial and academic collaborations and support any funding applications we may be undertaking as well as propose your own bids. Additional Information 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. 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. How to Apply Please include a list of publications within your CV and include a short cover statement describing your key research accomplishments and how your skills match the requirements. For any role specific queries, please contact .

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Scientist to join its Quantum Software & Modelling team in Teddington, England. The role involves contributing to the UK's mission for an accessible quantum computer, requiring skills in the development of quantum algorithms and machine learning software. Candidates should possess a degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields and demonstrate expertise in multiple areas of quantum technologies. The position offers an innovative research environment collaborating with leading partners in quantum computing.

Overview This role supports the day-to-day operation, quality and continuous improvement of NPL's website's-our core platforms for communicating world-leading science and engineering. Based in the Marketing and Communications team, the Web coordinator works closely with the Web team to deliver reliable, accessible and high-quality digital content. The role focuses on the technical and operational elements of the sites, ensuring that content is published accurately, performs well, and meets agreed standards for usability, accessibility and brand consistency. You will manage and deliver website change requests, provide performance insight using analytics and SEO data, and contribute hands on to content updates, design adjustments and technical optimisations. The role involves regular collaboration with colleagues across the organisation, helping them publish effective content and make best use of the website. This is a practical, detail-oriented role with scope to influence how content is structured, presented and improved over time. Key Responsibilities Deliver content and technical change requests, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely completion. Carry out hands on updates including content editing, layout changes, and HTML and CSS adjustments. Monitor website performance using analytics and SEO tools, producing reports and highlighting opportunities for improvement. Apply SEO best practice to improve content findability and performance. Support accessibility and usability standards, helping ensure compliance with recognised guidelines. Assist with quality assurance, proofreading and content checks prior to publication. Maintain good communication with internal stakeholders, explaining requirements, timelines and recommendations clearly. Work with the Web team and stakeholders across the organisation to explore new ways of structuring and presenting content to meet audience needs. Use ticketing or workflow systems to manage tasks and priorities effectively. Essential Experience and Skills Enterprise content management systems (Kentico or similar) WordPress HTML and CSS SEO principles and on-page optimisation Google Analytics or similar analytics platforms Website performance reporting and monitoring Ticketing or task management systems (e.g., Freshdesk, Jira, Trello or similar) Image editing or basic design tools (Adobe Photoshop or equivalent) Legal and Employment Conditions 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.

Our world leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Unix/Linux software development and containerisation. 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 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 Provide technical leadership within the software team, setting and promoting best practice in software design, coding standards, security, testing and CI/CD pipelines. Design, develop and implement robust, secure and highly available software solutions for production environments, taking end to end responsibility across the SDLC. Identify and implement continuous improvements to software architecture, development processes and operational practices, acting as a process owner for agreed engineering standards and approaches. Lead a small software team or workstream, providing direction, prioritisation and technical decision making while mentoring engineers and assuring delivery quality. Act as Scrum Master when required, leading agile ceremonies, supporting effective delivery, and continuously improving team ways of working. Essential Experience and Qualifications Experience building robust software deployed into high availability production environments, with a strong emphasis on software quality, reliability, and maintainability. Proven experience working within Agile/Scrum delivery teams, contributing to iterative, collaborative software development. Software development in a Unix/Linux environment, using any modern language (with Python preferred). Hands on experience with container runtimes and containerising applications. Experience designing, building, or maintaining CI/CD pipelines to support automated build, test, and deployment processes. Requirements To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. For this role in the Time and Frequency department, you must have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or the ability to obtain an SC clearance. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds; however, due to the nature of our work, nationality, residency, and security requirements may be more tightly defined. You will be asked about these throughout the recruitment process.

Background AI has been identified by the UK Government as a critical technology for the nation's future prosperity, security and competitiveness. Multiple government strategies underscore the need for high quality assurance mechanisms to support responsible AI development and deployment. As the UK's national metrology institute, NPL provides the trusted, independent technical foundations that can underpin the UK's AI assurance ecosystem. With increasing interest from government departments and industry partners, NPL is well placed to offer authoritative testing, evaluation, verification and validation (TEVV) approaches and data confidence frameworks that support the safe and effective use of trustworthy AI systems. To make the most of this rapidly evolving environment, NPL requires dedicated business development leadership to coordinate how we engage the ecosystem, prioritise partnerships, and build a sustainable pipeline of AI assurance related activity. Key Responsibilities Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Positioning Build and maintain relationships with key AI relevant government departments and national bodies (e.g., DSIT, AISI, Home Office, NCSC, DAIC). Develop strong relationships with standards organisations and industry conveners such as BSI, UKAS, Alan Turing Institute, and Tech UK. Participate actively in UK and international AI assurance discussions to help shape the structure and requirements of the emerging ecosystem. Strategic Proposition Development Work with the Data Science and AI Department to develop a clear and compelling NPL proposition centred on providing the technical foundation for AI quality and assurance. Clarify NPL's role across government, industry and international partnerships as the organisation that anchors confidence and trust in AI systems. Prioritise partnerships that support NPL's long term positioning within the national and international standards and assurance landscape. Opportunity Identification & Business Development Identify and convert strategic AI related opportunities across government and industry. Lead proposals that position NPL as the core technical partner for AI validation, testing and assurance. Coordinate with sector specific SBDMs to maintain coherence across NPL's AI engagements. Identify opportunities for NPL to contribute to major events, thought leadership and collaborative programmes. Commercial Leadership Oversee sales governance, including shaping proposals and contracts. Manage internal governance processes to successfully convert opportunities. Identify and develop repeatable, scalable AI assurance services that can become long term revenue streams. Qualifications EssentialStrategic business development experience in AI, digital, data science or emerging technologies. Strong ability to cultivate influential relationships across government and industry. Ability to navigate complex, fast moving ecosystems and identify where NPL can anchor long term value. Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities. Proven track record of securing significant programmes of work. Proven ability to effectively work and deliver within a collaborative team environment. DesirableUnderstanding of AI assurance, standards, testing, validation, security or safety. Experience working with UK government departments or national level missions. Knowledge of the UK AI policy and assurance landscape. A strong network of contacts across industry, government, assurance ecosystem and/or the third sector. Experience developing and operationalising strategic plans. Success Measures The quality of relationships with stakeholders is critical so this role will need to be highly visible within the NPL offices (Teddington mostly, but occasionally Glasgow and Cambridge) and externally. NPL recognised as a central pillar of the UK's AI assurance ecosystem. Increased pipeline and secured revenue from AI TEVV related opportunities. A well defined and widely understood NPL trustworthy AI proposition. Representation of NPL in high impact national and international AI forums. Development of scalable, repeatable AI TEVV services that strengthen long term capability. 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.

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in the UK to lead the software team in developing resilient time distribution systems. Responsibilities include providing technical leadership, designing robust software solutions, and fostering Agile practices. Candidates should have extensive experience in Unix/Linux software development, containerisation, and CI/CD processes. This role is crucial for ensuring the reliability of essential services like telecommunications and emergency response in modern society.