At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop and operate cutting-edge time distribution systems.
- Company: Global leader in precision timing with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities to collaborate with top scientists and experts.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital project that secures essential services for society.
- Qualifications: Degree in Telecommunications or IT, with relevant 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. 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, and 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 cybersecurity 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
Required skills and experience
Essential:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in Telecommunications, IT, or relevant field
- Prior experience in delivery and operation of Telecoms / IT solutions
- Familiarity with ITIL practices and IT / Telecom standards
- Delivery of ITSM
Advantageous:
- Experience in open‑source applications (such as Zabbix, Netbook, Grafana, ServiceNow, etc.)
- Familiarity with JSON, Linux, Kubernetes
- Professional experience within an R&D environment
- Interest in Physics, measurements, and communications, for example:
- 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 and Clearance
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.
Equality and diversity
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds. Please note that the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others.
Service Operations Engineer in London employer: National Physical Laboratory
As a leading authority in precision timing, our Time & Frequency department offers an exceptional work environment where innovation meets purpose. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development, supported by significant government investment in cutting-edge technology. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to the security and reliability of essential services across the UK.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Operations Engineer in London
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like National Physical Laboratory and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
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✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Operations Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at National Physical Laboratory.
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How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
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Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
