Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain cutting-edge timing systems for critical national infrastructure.
- Company: Join a world-leading Time & Frequency department at the forefront of timekeeping technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with top experts in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in Electronic or Network Engineering, with expertise in timing protocols required.
- Other info: Security clearance is necessary; apply early as interviews are ongoing.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking an experienced and practicing Timing and Synchronisation Engineer with a background in Electronic Engineering.
You will be joining our team at an exciting time – we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of time synchronisation technologies (such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) and PTP (Precision Time Protocol)) coupled with hands-on experience in designing and implementing network-based timing solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and maintain synchronisation systems using NTP/PTP
- Troubleshoot and optimise timing protocols across layers of IP networks
- Lead technical projects focused on timing architecture for critical national infrastructure (CNI) or communication systems
- Contribute to documentation, white papers, or research related to timing protocols and network synchronisation
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including Network Engineers, Researchers, and academic staff
Essential Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in Electronic or Network Engineering, with a focus on timing and synchronization (NTP/PTP, SyncE, etc.)
- Bachelor\’s degree (or equivalent) in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
- Proficient in IP networking concepts (routing, switching, etc.)
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but due to the nature of our work, specific departments may have tighter nationality, residency, and security requirements. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. For this role in the Time & Frequency department, an SC clearance with no restrictions is required, or you must have the ability to obtain one.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert. The closing date may be brought forward at any time. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Timing and Synchronisation Engineer employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Timing and Synchronisation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in timing and synchronisation technologies, especially NTP and PTP. Being able to discuss recent advancements or challenges in these areas during your interview will demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of Electronic Engineering and timing systems. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry trends, which could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your hands-on experience with network-based timing solutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, including any troubleshooting or optimisation challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of security clearances for this role. Familiarise yourself with the BPSS and SC clearance processes, as being knowledgeable about these requirements can show your commitment to the position and readiness to comply with necessary protocols.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Timing and Synchronisation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Electronic Engineering, particularly focusing on timing and synchronisation technologies like NTP and PTP. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the importance of maintaining the UK’s National Time Scale. Mention your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in IP networking concepts, troubleshooting, and optimising timing protocols. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully led technical projects or collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams.
Prepare for Security Clearance Questions: Since this role requires BPSS and SC security clearance, be ready to discuss your background and any potential issues related to nationality or residency during the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with NTP, PTP, and other timing synchronisation technologies. Highlight specific projects where you designed or implemented network-based timing solutions, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Research how the role of a Timing and Synchronisation Engineer contributes to the UK's National Time Scale and Critical National Infrastructure. Being able to articulate this understanding will show your commitment and interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to IP networking concepts, troubleshooting timing protocols, and optimising synchronisation systems. Brush up on these topics and be ready to provide detailed answers or examples from your past work.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with multi-disciplinary teams, prepare examples that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss any experiences where you worked alongside Network Engineers or Researchers to achieve a common goal.
