At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of the UK's National Time Scale and tackle complex technical challenges.
- Company: Join a world-leading organisation at the forefront of time and frequency technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital infrastructure and work with top scientists and engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in leading complex systems design.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a practicing and experienced Lead Systems Engineer to join our world‑leading Time and Frequency Department. We maintain and develop the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale that will underpin our Digital Infrastructure. You will be joining at an exciting time, as we drive the maturation of our systems and network engineering capabilities, and lead the architecture and deployment of NPL’s time scale. This is a pivotal role in shaping technical strategy, advancing world‑class engineering practices, and delivering solutions that underpin the UK’s time and frequency infrastructure.
As Lead Systems Engineer in the delivery programme of our new resilient Time Scale facility, you will be working alongside prominent Scientists, Engineers, and experts in Time and frequency transfer, and optical networks. You will enjoy a pivotal role in developing solutions to critical technical challenges whilst applying new and leading‑edge techniques and technologies.
Key responsibilities
- Collaborative Leadership: Lead with influence across multi‑disciplinary teams and senior stakeholders; shape technical strategy, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with NPL’s mission.
- Risk Management & Mitigation: Oversee the delivery of solutions that address ambiguity and challenges in a timely manner, ensuring that risks are effectively managed and mitigation actions are clearly communicated.
- Systems Engineering Maturation: Drive the advancement of Systems Engineering within the Time & Frequency department; establish world‑class practices, develop innovative solutions, and build new capabilities aligned with NPL’s strategic direction.
- Architectural Integrity: Ensure system architecture and frameworks meet technical requirements; maintain integrity across subsystems and lead the development of high‑level designs and interface definitions; deliver robust, scalable, and technically aligned design solutions.
- Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to governance standards across quality, health, safety, security, and environmental legislation; minimise business risk and enhance NPL’s reputation.
- Team Leadership: Inspire and lead your team to achieve high performance, foster motivation, and support individual potential and development.
Reporting to a Group Leader, you'll enjoy responsibility for the development of systems plans; to time, quality and cost. You'll utilise analytical and technical skills to contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of systems to push the boundaries of measurement accuracy and stability.
To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:
- A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant technical field; such as Computer Science or Electronic Engineering.
- Previous experience leading a team in the design of complex systems.
- Experience working on large technical delivery programmes and engaging with key stakeholders to address evolving requirements.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts.
- Familiarity with development methodologies (such as agile, iterative, etc.).
- Experience in time and frequency measurement and time scales (highly desirable).
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for critical infrastructure.
- Leadership in technical innovation and capability building.
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.
Lead Systems Engineer employer: National Physical Laboratory
At NPL, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading employer in the field of time and frequency measurement, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that fosters professional growth. As a Lead Systems Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside top scientists and engineers, driving advancements in critical infrastructure while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a commitment to employee development. Join us in shaping the future of digital infrastructure in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially around time and frequency measurement. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Lead Systems Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It helps us keep track of candidates and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in systems engineering and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Systems Engineer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional written and oral communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We’re looking for someone who can explain complex concepts simply!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous experience you have with large technical delivery programmes or working with multi-disciplinary teams. We want to know how you've tackled challenges and delivered impactful outcomes in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of systems engineering, especially in relation to time and frequency measurement. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences leading complex system designs and how you've tackled technical challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership style. Think about times when you've influenced multi-disciplinary teams or shaped technical strategies. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to share how you've motivated your team in the past.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills, so consider how you can convey your ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Understand Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with risk management principles, especially in the context of delivering solutions under ambiguity. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified risks in previous projects and the mitigation strategies you employed to address them.
