Our world-leading Time and Frequency Department is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer with experience across full lifecycle system engineering and leadership of complex systems architecture.
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 complement 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:
* Collaborative Technical Leadership: Lead with influence across multi-disciplinary teams and senior stakeholders; to shape technical strategy, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with NPL’s mission.
* Risk Management & Mitigation: Oversee the delivery of solutions that address ambiguity and challenges in a timely manner, ensuring that risks are effectively identified, emergent system properties are managed and effective mitigation actions are clearly communicated.
* Systems Engineering Maturation: Drive the advancement of Systems Engineering within the Time & Frequency department; by establishing world-class practices, developing innovative solutions, and building new capabilities aligned with NPL’s strategic direction.
* Architectural Integrity: Maintain a robust system of systems architecture and maintain integrity across subsystems throughout the full lifecycle from requirements to IV&V.
* Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to governance standards across quality, health, safety, security, and environmental legislation; minimising business risk and enhancing NPL’s reputation.
* Team Leadership: Inspire and lead your team to achieve high performance, foster motivation, and support individual potential and development.