At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing cutting-edge time scale technology for the UK’s digital infrastructure.
- Company: World-leading Time & Frequency department with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain experience working with top scientists and engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to work on exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national infrastructure while enhancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in scripting, automation, and a degree in Computer Science or related field.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department are seeking a Platform Engineer with experience in scripting and automation.
About the Role
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 UK Digital 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.
As Platform Engineer, you’ll enjoy working alongside prominent Scientists and Engineers to support the development of production‑ready platforms and software; to time, quality, and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high‑quality code/automation/runbooks for the build and support of servers and software
- Continually improve knowledge and skills to keep abreast of technological advancements, understand the impact of your work, and communicate opportunities with your team
- Demonstrate strong, clear, and engaging communication skills, whilst contributing effectively as part of a team
- Security mindset
About You
Reporting to a Senior Platform Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in the design of UK Digital Infrastructure that pushes the boundaries of measurement accuracy for the UK’s new resilient Time Scale.
To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:
- Knowledge of Windows or Linux, with a willingness to develop skills across both
- Scripting and automation (such as Bash, PowerShell, Packer, Ansible, Terraform, Docker, etc.)
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, or closely related discipline
- Python
- Internet protocols and services (such as SMTP, DNS, HTTP, etc.)
- VMWare
- Programmatic/automation mindset that streamlines workflows, whilst collaborating with teams to improve platform support
Desirable Interests
- Time and frequency measurement and time scale steering
- Real‑time monitoring and control of electronic hardware
- Satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS‑based systems
We strongly encourage applications from candidates who may not meet all of the listed criteria. 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.
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.
Platform Engineer in London employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Joining our Time & Frequency department as a Platform Engineer offers you the chance to work at the forefront of UK Digital Infrastructure, collaborating with leading Scientists and Engineers in a dynamic and innovative environment. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and communication. Located at the heart of the UK's National Time Scale operations, you'll be part of a mission-driven organisation that is essential to national security and technological advancement.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at NPL. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your scripting and automation projects. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and communication skills. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Platform Engineer and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Platform Engineer. Highlight your scripting and automation experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or technologies you’ve worked with that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about time and frequency measurement, and how your skills can contribute to our exciting projects. Keep it engaging and personal!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:We value clear communication, so make sure your application reflects this. Whether it’s in your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, be concise and articulate about your experiences and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Windows and Linux systems, as well as the scripting languages mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've used tools like Bash, PowerShell, or Docker in past projects.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key for this role, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think about examples where you've successfully collaborated with a team to solve a problem or improve a process.
✨Demonstrate Your Security Mindset
Given the importance of security in this role, be prepared to talk about how you approach security in your work. Share any experiences you have with securing platforms or automating security processes.
✨Stay Curious and Up-to-Date
The tech world moves fast, so show your enthusiasm for learning. Mention any recent advancements in technology that excite you and how you plan to keep your skills sharp. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
