Systems Engineer

Our world leading Time & Frequency department is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with proven expertise in the application of Systems Engineering principles and systems development approaches.

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.

• Supporting early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including concept definition, functional decomposition, and requirements development
• Defining system and subsystem architectures, including boundaries, interfaces, and packaging in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Modelling and analysing system behaviour, interfaces, and performance to inform design decisions and reduce technical risk
• Identifying, assessing, and communicating technical risks, assumptions, and trade offs clearly and proportionately
• Producing clear, structured systems engineering artefacts (requirements, architectures, models) in line with internal processes, to time, cost, and quality
• Ensuring traceability from user needs through to system requirements and design decisions across the product lifecycle

• Degree in Engineering (e.g. Systems, Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, Software) or a closely related discipline (e.g. Physics)
• A collaborative, proactive approach and confidence working in the presence of technical ambiguity
• Application of Systems Engineering principles to the design and development of complex or multidisciplinary systems
• Experience with early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including requirements definition, system architecture, modelling, or functional decomposition
• Experience working on complex technical systems (e.g. instrumentation, research facilities, or bespoke engineered systems)
• Familiarity with systems development approaches (e.g. V model, iterative, or agile)
• Ability to produce clear and structured technical artefacts (e.g. requirements, architectures, models)

• Time and frequency measurement, time scales or precision metrology
• Real time monitoring and control of electronic or optical hardware
• Satellite communications, optical fibre networks or GNSS based systems
• Research or laboratory based engineering environments

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. For this role you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

We welcome applications from all who meet the required qualifications.