Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of mission-critical technical architecture solutions.
- Company: Join NPL, a leader in Time & Frequency, shaping the UK's National Time Scale.
- Benefits: Collaborate with top scientists and engineers, and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national infrastructure while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background with experience in complex project delivery and architecture.
- Other info: Security clearance required; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking an experienced and practicing Technical Architect.
You will be joining our team at an exciting time – we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing the National Timing Centre 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.
As the Principal Technical Architect, you will enjoy collaborating with prominent Scientists, Engineers, and specialists in Cyber Security, to design and implement architect solutions to time, quality, and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Define the overall Technical Architecture for the solution, ensuring that it meets the requirements, is deliverable, and is capable of underpinning delivery of a mission-critical service.
- Ensure Technical Architecture is fully documented in accordance with the applicable standards and governance.
- Through development of the Technical Architecture, ensure that the optimal set of system components are adopted in terms of performance, risk, cost, and long-term supportability/obsolescence.
- Build and maintain a sound understanding of NPL’s own capabilities and strategic intent, consequently inform its internal capability.
- Support NPL’s implementation of its own technical development and recruitment strategy.
- Working with the Project Management Team, break down the solution into a set of components that can be delivered efficiently as part of a coherent and structured delivery plan.
- Engage with the Design Team and Developers so that they understand the technical aspects of their delivery.
- Support progress reporting to NPL leadership, in relation to technical aspects of the delivery including risks, opportunities, progress against plan, resourcing requirements, and external partnering needs.
- Liaise with the end client to ensure that they are fully updated on the overall Technical Architecture, how it will meet their requirements, progress through delivery, and any dependencies that there are upon them.
- Engage with delivery partners to ensure that they are fully aware of their role in the delivery of the solution architecture and the dependencies that rest with them.
About You
- Strong technical background. Experience in successful delivery of complex mission-critical projects at scale.
- Experience as a Technical Architect responsible for development and subsequent implementation of complex, mission-critical network infrastructures through the project life cycle.
- Strong technical interest, maintaining currency with exploitable emerging technologies and key players in the field.
- Experienced working across the full project life cycle and within associated standards/governance regimes for delivery of scale mission-critical projects into UK Government.
- Proactive and forward-thinking, capable of looking into the longer term to identify potential future challenges and determine solutions, for example through capability development/partnering strategy to ensure that the team is adequately resourced to meet the needs of the Architected Solution.
- A strong communicator, capable of bridging between business need, solution requirements, system designers, and technical delivery.
- Ability to engage and command respect when engaging at senior levels within client and internal stakeholder communities.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Technical Architect employer: NPL
Contact Detail:
NPL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Technical Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your experience with complex mission-critical projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully delivered similar projects, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest technologies and trends in network infrastructure. Being able to discuss emerging technologies during your interview will demonstrate your strong technical interest and proactive mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your communication skills and how you bridge the gap between technical teams and business needs. Providing examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of security clearance for this role. Be ready to discuss your eligibility and any previous experiences that align with the security requirements outlined in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technical Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Technical Architect position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in delivering complex mission-critical projects and your background as a Technical Architect. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to design and implement technical solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. Mention your strong communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Highlight Technical Expertise: In your application, emphasize your technical background and familiarity with emerging technologies. Discuss your experience with network infrastructures and how you have successfully navigated project life cycles in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at NPL
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your strong technical background in detail. Highlight specific complex mission-critical projects you've delivered, focusing on your role as a Technical Architect and the impact of your contributions.
✨Understand the Mission-Critical Nature
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of mission-critical services. Discuss how you ensure that the Technical Architecture meets requirements and is deliverable, especially in high-stakes environments like those involving UK Government projects.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Prepare to illustrate your communication skills by providing examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders. Emphasize your ability to bridge business needs with technical solutions and how you keep clients updated on progress and dependencies.
✨Stay Current with Emerging Technologies
Show your proactive approach by discussing how you stay informed about emerging technologies and key players in the field. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to foresee future challenges in the architecture landscape.
