At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing the UK's National Time Scale and create innovative software solutions.
- Company: National Physical Laboratory, a leader in measurement science and technology.
- Benefits: Flexible working, social activities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK Digital Infrastructure while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: Experience in scripting and automation; degree in Computer Science or related field.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About the Role
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Platform Engineer with experience in scripting and automation. 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 a 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.
Essential skills and experience
- 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
Highly desirable
- Python
- Software development in a Unix/Linux environment
- 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
Please note: 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.
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.
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. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
Platform Engineer employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
At the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As an Associate Vulnerability Researcher, you will benefit from mentorship by seasoned professionals, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to contribute to vital security advancements in telecommunications. Our commitment to employee growth and development ensures that you will thrive in your early career while making a meaningful impact in the field.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Engineer
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We think you need these skills to ace Platform Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If National Physical Laboratory (NPL) uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
