Principal Engineer

We’re looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Materials and Mechanical Metrology department at NPL. You’ll work on a range of instrumentation and metrology projects, providing technical expertise to inform site infrastructure strategies.

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you should have strong experience and a comprehensive understanding of Systems Engineering, the V-Model, and associated processes/lifecycles . Previous roles should include involvement in all stages of the instrument development lifecycle, from concept development to delivery and reporting.

Your responsibilities will include requirements definition and management, system architecture, assembly, integration, validation, verification, installation, commissioning, and delivery of scientific instrumentation.

You will ensure the application of high-quality, cost-effective technical solutions within schedule, evaluate equipment, recommend efficiencies, ensure safety procedures are followed, and report accordingly.

One current project involves The Kibble Balance . Click the link to learn more!

You’ll also be involved in:

• Leading overall systems of large and complex science/engineering projects, managing technical inputs to instrument design and development.
• Developing design specifications and conducting design activities.
• Performing technical analyses and investigations, evaluating options, and preparing reports with recommendations.
• Reviewing and managing interface documents and baselines.
• Applying end-to-end systems analysis and modelling.
• Developing instrument performance models, tolerances, and specifications.
• Managing technical budgets and tolerances.
• Creating assembly, integration, and testing plans to verify requirements.
• Managing assembly, integration, and testing of systems and subsystems.
• Delivering complex hardware and software systems.
• Planning and coordinating reviews, and signing off documentation.
• Documenting system design, procedures, and test results.
• Liaising with specialists to maintain performance and meet requirements.
• Generating technical proposals with effort, cost, and risk estimates for bids and proposals.

The ideal candidate will have people management skills, with experience leading multidisciplinary science and engineering teams. You will mentor and lead a team of Systems Engineers, delegate tasks, and review work. Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills are essential, as you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful design, development, and delivery. You will also provide technical leadership alongside project managers and science leads.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Physics or relevant engineering field (Optical, Mechanical, Electronics, Systems, or Software), or equivalent.
• Industry Systems Engineering experience across the full lifecycle.
• Experience in developing and delivering complex instrumentation and control systems, working to deadlines in a multi-project environment.
• Knowledge of a wide range of technologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Project management skills.

We actively recruit from all backgrounds. Due to the nature of our work, nationality, residency, and security requirements may be more tightly defined. You will need to obtain BPSS security clearance to work at NPL. Applications are reviewed continuously, and the closing date may be moved forward. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

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