Lead Network Engineer

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seeks a Lead Network Engineer. 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:

• Lead the delivery and management of the NTC network infrastructure, ensuring successful deployment of mission-critical capabilities
• Provide strategic and technical leadership to the NTC Network Engineering team
• Own the design, implementation and evolution of network infrastructure
• Continuous improvement of network capabilities, enhancing existing infrastructure to meet future demands
• Partner with senior stakeholders and the Technical Authority to shape strategy and steer the delivery of network solutions
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, managing risk and assurance (across quality, health and safety, security and environmental standards)
• Mentoring and developing colleagues while driving a culture of technical excellence

About You:

• Proven expertise in network engineering with delivery of complex infrastructure projects/solutions, at scale
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience delivering mission-critical projects within UK Government or other highly regulated environments
• Strong understanding of project governance, assurance frameworks and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to build, mentor and develop high-performing technical teams
• Strong awareness of emerging technologies and their application within complex network environments
• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop sustainable solutions

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are 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, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

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 and 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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome.

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 rewards, benefits and recognition. 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.