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- Tasks: Lead software development for innovative time distribution solutions that secure essential services.
- Company: Join a world-leading authority in precision timing with a strong government backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of digital infrastructure and enhance global navigation systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in Unix/Linux software development and Agile methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Unix/Linux software development and containerisation. 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
- Provide technical leadership within the software team, setting and promoting best practice in software design, coding standards, security, testing and CI/CD pipelines.
- Design, develop and implement robust, secure and highly available software solutions for production environments, taking end‑to‑end responsibility across the SDLC.
- Identify and implement continuous improvements to software architecture, development processes and operational practices, acting as a process owner for agreed engineering standards and approaches.
- Lead a small software team or workstream, providing direction, prioritisation and technical decision‑making while mentoring engineers and assuring delivery quality.
- Act as Scrum Master when required, leading agile ceremonies, supporting effective delivery, and continuously improving team ways of working.
Essential Experience and Qualifications
- Experience building robust software deployed into high‑availability production environments, with a strong emphasis on software quality, reliability, and maintainability.
- Proven experience working within Agile/Scrum delivery teams, contributing to iterative, collaborative software development.
- Software development in a Unix/Linux environment, using any modern language (with Python preferred).
- Hands‑on experience with container runtimes and containerising applications.
- Experience designing, building, or maintaining CI/CD pipelines to support automated build, test, and deployment processes.
Requirements
To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. For this role in the Time and Frequency department, you must have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or the ability to obtain an SC clearance. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds; however, due to the nature of our work, nationality, residency, and security requirements may be more tightly defined. You will be asked about these throughout the recruitment process.
Senior Software Engineer in England employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Unix/Linux software development and containerisation. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Agile/Scrum methodologies and be ready to discuss your experience leading teams. Practice common technical questions and scenarios related to CI/CD pipelines and software architecture to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your Unix/Linux experience and any containerisation projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of software solutions you've designed and implemented. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, especially in high-availability environments. Don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to emphasise your leadership experience and Agile/Scrum involvement. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Unix/Linux software development skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with containerisation and CI/CD pipelines in detail. They’ll want to know how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so have some examples ready.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves providing technical leadership, be prepared to talk about your experience leading teams or projects. Highlight any mentoring you've done and how you've promoted best practices in software design and coding standards.
✨Emphasise Agile Experience
This position requires a solid background in Agile/Scrum methodologies. Be ready to share specific instances where you contributed to an Agile team, focusing on how you helped improve processes and delivery quality.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the importance of precision timing and its impact on essential services like telecommunications and emergency response. Showing that you understand the significance of the role will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.