System Engineer

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking a Systems Engineer to apply systems engineering principles to complex, multidisciplinary projects in the Time & Frequency domain.

You will contribute to early lifecycle activities, define architectures, model system behaviour, and produce clear artefacts while ensuring traceability across the product lifecycle. Security clearances (BPSS/SC) may be required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, Software) or closely-related discipline (e.g. Physics).
• Collaborative, proactive approach and confidence in technical ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Supporting early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including concept definition and requirements development.
• Defining system and subsystem architectures with boundaries, interfaces and packaging.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements development

System architecture

Modelling

Traceability

GNSS/Timing

Education

Engineering degree

Physics degree

Job description

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a experienced Systems Engineer with proven expertise in application of Systems Engineering principles and systems development approaches.

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:

• Supporting early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including concept definition, functional decomposition, and requirements development
• Defining system and subsystem architectures, including boundaries, interfaces, and packaging in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Modelling and analysing system behaviour, interfaces, and performance to inform design decisions and reduce technical risk
• Identifying, assessing, and communicating technical risks, assumptions, and trade-offs clearly and proportionately
• Producing clear, structured systems engineering artefacts (requirements, architectures, models) in line with internal processes, to time, cost, and quality
• Ensuring traceability from user needs through to system requirements and design decisions across the product lifecycle

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering (e.g. Systems, Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, Software) or a closely-related discipline (e.g. Physics)
• A collaborative, proactive approach and confidence working in the presence of technical ambiguity

Essential technical skills:

• Application of Systems Engineering principles to the design and development of complex or multidisciplinary systems
• Experience with early lifecycle systems engineering activities, including requirements definition, system architecture, modelling, or functional decomposition
• Experience working on complex technical systems (e.g. instrumentation, research facilities, or bespoke engineered systems)
• Familiarity with systems development approaches (e.g. V-model, iterative, or agile)
• Ability to produce clear and structured technical artefacts (e.g. requirements, architectures, models)
• Time and frequency measurement, time scales or precision metrology
• Real‑time monitoring and control of electronic or optical hardware
• Satellite communications, optical fibre networks or GNSS‑based systems
• Research or laboratory‑based engineering environments

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.

For 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. 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.