At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing world-first time distribution capabilities for critical services.
- Company: National Physical Laboratory, a leader in precision timing and measurement science.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health support, and a diverse, inclusive environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration with top scientists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK digital infrastructure and enhance service reliability.
- Qualifications: Degree in telecommunications or IT, with experience in telecoms/IT solutions.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department are seeking an experienced Service Operations Engineer.
About the Role
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
- Planning, deployment and operation of components
- Implementing systems and processes (such as ITSM and ITIL)
- Developing IT management systems and performance indicators
- Partnering with prominent scientists and experts in cyber‑security to ensure service readiness
- Building operation practices and routines (such as monitoring and responding to alerts / alarms / threshold breaches / incidents / reported problems)
- Reporting complex technical information in a clear and digestible format
Essential Skills
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in telecommunications, IT, or a relevant field
- Prior experience in delivery and operation of telecoms / IT solutions
- Familiarity with ITIL practices and IT / telecom standards
- Delivery of ITSM
Advantageous Skills
- Experience in open‑source applications (such as Zabbix, Netbook, Grafana, ServiceNow, etc.)
- Familiarity with JSON, Linux, Kubernetes
- Professional experience within an R&D environment
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
Security Requirements
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.
Application Notes
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical, as we may at any time bring the closing date forward.
About NPL
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 are committed 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. We encourage applicants from women, disabled, and BAME communities and guarantee an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme for eligible disabled candidates. At NPL, we value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all colleagues feel supported and welcome. We support health and well‑being, provide flexible working, and offer a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. For any enquiries, please contact us.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Service Operations Engineer in London
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