Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek an experienced and practicing Senior Scientist / Engineer.
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 o ur Critical National Infrastructure (C NI). 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 Senior Scientist / Engineer, you will join a multi-disciplinary team of Scientists and Engineers in our National Timing Centre to develop new Time and Frequency infrastructure within the UK. You'll have a pivotal role in creating robust systems for ground- and satellite-based Time and Frequency dissemination, based on Atomic Clocks located at several UK sites. This will include testing and implementation of:
- Satellite communication
- Optical fibre
- GNSS-based and monitoring subsystems
Key responsibilities:
- Leading a team of System Engineers and Scientists to deliver high-quality projects to time, quality and cost
- Design and implementation of hardware / software for satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS-based time and frequency transfer techniques for comparing distant atomic clocks
- Developing novel time dissemination systems, equipment and applications to support UK sovereign and industry needs
- Collaborating with wider teams to innovate high-specification solutions
- Interacting with internal / external stakeholders to determine their needs and tailor expert solutions
Reporting to a Principal Scientist, you'll enjoy a pivotal role in the design of critical UK infra structure that pushes the boundaries of measurement accuracy for the UK's new resilient Time Scale.Essential skills:Experience in Time and Frequency measurement/Time scalesA degree in a relevant field of Science or Engineering (or equivalent experience)Leading Systems Engineering processes; including requirements, design and implementationA rigorous approach to problem solving and the ability to develop solutions to difficult problemsTeam managementAdvantageous:A postgraduate degree in a relevant field of Science or Engineering; such as satellite navigation systems (GNSS), SATCOM, communications or systems engineeringPostgraduate experience (industrial or R&D) in software engineering applications, such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLABProfessional experience within an Engineering or R&D environmentExperience of working on Systems Engineering projects; from start to completionPractical knowledge of SATCOM, optical fibre, and GNSS-based systemsReal-time monitoring and control of electronic hardwareExperience in atmospheric propagation of radio/microwave signals or Space science/systemsExperience of working on software for robust operational systemsWe 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.
