Lead Network Engineer

National Physical Laboratory; Gomshall; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a Lead Network Engineer to direct the NTC network infrastructure, delivering mission-critical capabilities and a resilient time distribution system for UK digital services.

You will mentor the Network Engineering team, shape strategy with senior stakeholders, and ensure governance and risk management while driving continuous improvement in security, safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in network engineering with delivery of complex infrastructure projects at scale.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience).
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and management of the NTC network infrastructure.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership to the NTC Network Engineering team.
• Own the design, implementation and evolution of network infrastructure.
• Improve network capabilities to meet future demands.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to shape strategy and delivery of network solutions.
• Ensure governance, manage risk and assurance across standards.
• Mentor and develop colleagues, fostering technical excellence.

Skills

Network engineering

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience)

Job description

Lead Network Engineer

2026-09-19T00:00:00

Surrey

Surrey

GB

GU5 9NU

Any

2026-12-18T15:02:05.453

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Lead Network Engineer. 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:

• Lead the delivery and management of the NTC network infrastructure, ensuring successful deployment of mission-critical capabilities
• Provide strategic and technical leadership to the NTC Network Engineering team
• Own the design, implementation and evolution of network infrastructure
• Continuous improvement of network capabilities, enhancing existing infrastructure to meet future demands
• Partner with senior stakeholders and the Technical Authority to shape strategy and steer the delivery of network solutions
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, managing risk and assurance (across quality, health and safety, security and environmental standards)
• Mentoring and developing colleagues while driving a culture of technical excellence

About You

Essential:

• Proven expertise in network engineering with delivery of complex infrastructure projects/solutions, at scale
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience)
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable:

• Experience delivering mission-critical projects within UK Government or other highly regulated environments
• Strong understanding of project governance, assurance frameworks and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to build, mentor and develop high-performing technical teams
• Strong awareness of emerging technologies and their application within complex network environments
• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop sustainable solutions

To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

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.

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.