Senior Engineer - Mass Metrology

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a Senior Engineer to lead instrumentation projects in the Mass Metrology Group. You will design, build and validate advanced measurement instruments, guiding strategy and capability development within a dynamic research environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the ability to translate ideas into reliable facilities and tools that advance the UK mass scale and related standards.

Qualifications

• Strong background in physics, instrumentation, and precision measurement systems.
• Experience leading technical projects or facilities related to measurement science.
• Ability to translate concepts to operation and real-world use.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and validate novel measurement instruments.
• Lead the Mass Metrology group's instrument projects and strategy.
• Develop, test and validate Kibble balance and other precision devices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver robust measurement capabilities.

Skills

Physics concepts

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Software development

Team leadership

Education

Degree in physics/engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

COMSOL

Job description

NPL is looking to recruit a Senior Engineer to join the Mass Metrology Group. To be successful in this Engineering role, you'll be recognised for your technical expertise and ability to lead within your field. You will have a strong scientific or engineering background, supported by a track record of delivering impactful research, innovation, or technical projects. Publications or other recognised contributions to your discipline would be advantageous. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is collaborative, driven, and excited to thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment.

About the Role

As a leading National Measurement Institute, NPL creates state of the art measurement facilities translating physics-based research into world leading measurement standards and equipment.

The Mass Metrology group has a pipeline of instrumentation projects. We are seeking a scientist or engineer with experience of designing, building and validating novel measurement instruments. The right candidate will help to realise the strategy, build leadership in the area and create capabilities delivering substantial impact. Opportunities are available to apply your problem-solving skills and instruments knowledge to:

• Development, testing and validation of a novel electro-magnetic Kibble balance based on a seismometer principle to derive the SI unit of mass (kg) via the Planck constant.
• Transforming the proof-of-concept Kibble balance into a reliable facility that can be used routinely to deliver the UK mass scale and provide a reference instrument for other national laboratories.
• Design of a new generation of servo-hydraulic force machines to provide the UK’s reference standard for force above 1 MN.
• Evolution of Kibble balance technologies to create instruments to provide new capabilities in the fields such as micro-force, torque and precision weighing.

About You

What you will bring to the role:

• Strong understanding of physics, instrumentation, error budgets and precision measurement systems, ideally with a degree or higher qualification in a relevant subject.
• Curiosity and the drive to learn and apply new knowledge.
• Experience working on complex technical systems (e.g. instrumentation, research facilities, or bespoke engineered systems), applying cutting-edge innovation and transitioning concepts through to operation.
• Strong data analysis skills and, ideally, an experienced user of packages such as Python, MATLAB or COMSOL. Able to create and manage measurement models to deliver robust uncertainty budgets.
• Experience of developing, integrating and testing software and hardware within a systems engineering process.
• Expertise with one or more of laser interferometry, electro-mechanical and/or opto-mechanical control, motion systems, vibration control, PID control loops, precise low-noise voltage measurement, FPGA programming.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial approach, able to spot opportunities and engage with stakeholders to refine and deliver solutions.
• Ideally having or working towards Chartered Engineer or Scientist status with a relevant Institution.

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.

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.

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.