Configuration Manager

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom seeks a Configuration Manager to lead CM for hardware, software and documentation across multi-site projects. You will ensure compliance with CM processes, oversee pre-production validation and advise on refresh activities to maintain configuration integrity.

The role requires hands-on CM experience, strong understanding of the full engineering lifecycle, and the ability to govern configuration across critical national infrastructure

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Configuration Management and CM tools.
• Experience with asset and configuration management processes.
• Experience supporting multi-site projects and audits.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain CM processes and governance.
• Own pre-production validation and change assessment.
• Advise on hardware/software refresh and improvements.
• Organise and chair the Configuration Control Board (CCB).
• Support Project and Engineering teams to maintain configuration integrity.
• Conduct configuration audits (FCA and PCA).

Skills

CM tools usage

Configuration management

CCB governance

Project lifecycle knowledge

Education

Professional qualifications

Tools

3DS PLM

Oracle CM

Job description

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Configuration Manager with recent experience in configuration of hardware, software and documentation.

About the Role

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Configuration Manager with recent experience in configuration of hardware, software and documentation.

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
• 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

As Configuration Manager, you’ll establish, manage, and govern the operational delivery of Configuration Management to support the UK’s National Timescale, providing day‑to‑day, multi‑site operational support:

• Establish and maintain compliance with Asset and Configuration Management processes,
• Own pre‑production validation, ensuring changes are fully assessed before release,
• Advise on hardware and software refresh and improvement activities,
• Organise, manage, and chair the Configuration Control Board (CCB),
• Support and advise Project and Engineering teams to maintain configuration integrity, and
• Conduct configuration audits (FCA and PCA).

About You

• Proven experience operating as a Configuration Manager (or in an equivalent configuration‑focused role)
• Strong practical and/or academic foundation, supported by relevant professional qualifications or equivalent hands‑on experience
• Demonstrable experience using Configuration Management tools (such as 3DS PLM, Oracle, or comparable enterprise CM platforms)
• Hands‑on configuration experience within virtual environments, supporting complex infrastructure and systems
• Working knowledge of the full engineering project lifecycle, including configuration inputs at each phase

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.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria.

Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged.

All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.