Lead Systems Engineer

About the Role

We’re looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Materials and Mechanical Metrology department at NPL. You’ll work on instrumentation and metrology projects, providing technical expertise to shape our site infrastructure. You should have strong experience in Systems Engineering, the V-Model, and associated processes/lifecycles. Your background should include involvement in all stages of instrument development, from concept to delivery and reporting.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for requirements definition & management, system architecture, assembly, integration, validation & verification, installation, commissioning, and delivery of scientific instrumentation. Ensuring high-quality, cost-effective technical solutions within schedule is key. You’ll also evaluate equipment for efficiency and compliance, ensuring safety procedures are followed.

You’ll also be involved in:

• Leading large and complex Science/Engineering projects, coordinating technical inputs to instrument design and development.
• Developing design specifications and conducting design activities.
• Performing technical analyses and investigations, evaluating technical options, and preparing reports with recommendations.
• Managing interface documents and baselines.
• Applying systems analysis and modeling.
• Developing performance models, manufacturing tolerances, and component specifications.
• Managing technical budgets and tolerances.
• Creating assembly, integration, and test plans to verify requirements.
• Overseeing the assembly, integration, and testing of systems and subsystems.
• Delivering complex hardware and software systems.
• Planning and coordinating reviews, and reviewing documentation.
• Documenting system design, processes, and test results.
• Liaising with specialists to maintain performance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Generating technical proposals, estimating effort, costs, and risks for bids and proposals.

We operate in a hybrid work environment, combining remote and office work, aiming to offer a good work-life balance with flexible options depending on the role and department.

About You

The ideal candidate will have people management skills, with experience leading multidisciplinary science/engineering teams. You will mentor and lead a team of Systems Engineers, delegating and reviewing work.

Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills are essential. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders and provide technical leadership alongside project managers and science leads.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Physics or applicable engineering discipline (Optical, Mechanical, Electronics, Systems, or Software), or equivalent.
• Experience across the full Systems Engineering Lifecycle.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering complex instrumentation and control systems in a multi-project environment.
• Knowledge of various technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Project management skills.

Note: We actively recruit individuals from all backgrounds. Due to security requirements, nationality, residency, and security clearance (BPSS) may be necessary.