At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to automate and orchestrate cutting-edge DevOps solutions for precision timing.
- Company: Be part of a world-leading Time & Frequency department with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical services that underpin modern society's digital infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in DevOps, automation tools, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a DevOps Engineer with proven expertise in automation and container orchestration. 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 alternative 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
- Work closely with the Product Manager(s) and Delivery Manager(s) to align product and business requirements, develop proposals, and balance tech debt to deliver product functionality.
- Oversee software release management – automated deployment to multiple on-prem and cloud environments.
- Develop scripts to automate DevOps functions.
- Manage all content going live.
Required skills, experience and qualifications
- Proven and recent experience in the delivery of DevOps solutions.
- Team leadership.
- Risk assessment and management.
- Security mindset.
- Clear communicator.
Essential technical skills
- Automation – Packer, Terraform, Ansible, CI/CD practices, developing pipelines.
- Unix system administration.
- Cloud platform administration.
- Docker, container orchestration.
- Python and shell scripting.
- Professional software development experience.
Desirable technical interests
- Interest in Physics, measurements, and communications (e.g., time and frequency measurement and time scale steering, real‑time monitoring and control of electronic hardware, satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS‑based systems).
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.
Senior DevOps Engineer for Time & Frequency Platform employer: National Physical Laboratory
Join our world-leading Time & Frequency department as a Senior DevOps Engineer and be part of a pioneering initiative backed by a significant government investment. We offer a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth in a critical sector that underpins essential services across the UK. Located at the forefront of digital infrastructure development, you will play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and security of systems that are integral to modern society.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior DevOps Engineer for Time & Frequency Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people 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 or GitHub repository showcasing your DevOps projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common DevOps questions and scenarios. Think about how you would handle real-world problems related to automation and container orchestration, as these will likely come up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior DevOps Engineer for Time & Frequency Platform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in automation, container orchestration, and any relevant DevOps solutions you've delivered. We want to see how you fit into our world-leading Time & Frequency department!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and security mindset – these are key for us!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical skills in your application. Mention tools like Terraform, Ansible, and Docker, and provide examples of how you've used them in past projects. We love seeing practical applications of your knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in automation tools like Packer, Terraform, and Ansible. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects, as well as your experience with CI/CD practices and container orchestration.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves team leadership, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in delivering DevOps solutions. Highlight your ability to balance tech debt while aligning product and business requirements with Product and Delivery Managers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a clear communicator, practice articulating your thoughts on complex topics like risk assessment and security mindset. Use simple language to explain your ideas, ensuring that even non-technical interviewers can follow along.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Field
Express your interest in physics and communications, particularly in relation to time and frequency measurement. Share any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for the industry and how it aligns with the company's mission.
