Engineer - Time Scale
About the Role
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Time Scale Engineer.
You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL) , and are currently developing the UK’s first resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference. As a Time Scale Engineer, you will join a multi-disciplinary team of Scientists and Engineers in our National Timing Centre to develop new Time and Frequency infrastructure within the UK. You'll have a fundamental role in supporting robust systems for the core of the UK’s Time Scale, based on Atomic Clocks located at several UK sites. This will be a mixture of desk-based and laboratory-based activities. You will be supporting the future of the UK's Time Scale; through- Building domain-specific knowledge to support cross-functional teams
- Performing calibration and measurement activities in our laboratories
- Supporting through-life management of hardware assets; including
- Specifying and procuring equipment
- Contributing to engineering artefacts (e.g., compiling compliance reports or supporting obsolescence planning)
- Testing & integration of new equipment (e.g., time interval counters)
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to information management
- Ad-hoc data processing / analysis to review the performance of the time scale and constituent components.
This exciting role provides exposure to an international network of time and frequency experts.
About You
Reporting to a Senior Engineer, you’ll enjoy a central role in the design and implementation of critical infrastructure that will underpin the future of timekeeping for the UK.
Essential skills:- A degree in a relevant field of Engineering or Science (or equivalent experience)
- A rigorous approach to problem solving and the ability to develop solutions to difficult problems
- Good task management with the ability to shift focus based on changing priorities
Advantageous:
- Experience in Time Scales, Atomic Clocks, or Time and Frequency measurement
- Experience working in engineering or research and development environments
- Experience working in a laboratory setting
- Scripting (e.g., using Python or Bash)
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. 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.
Recommended Jobs
Year 1 Teacher - Bermondsey
We are seeking a committed, nurturing, and enthusiastic Year 1 Teacher to join a welcoming primary school in Bermondsey, starting as soon as possible. This role offers an exciting opportunity to teac…
Secondary Education Recruitment Manager - London
The role is for a Secondary education recruitment manager to join an established teacher supply agency in Central London You will be working for a leading agency that supplies teachers and suppo…
Live-in Nanny-Housekeeper in NW1, Job ID J1F904
This lovely family based in Camden, London, is looking for a Live-in Nanny-Housekeeper to maintain their house clean and tidy while taking care of their 3 school-aged children. Someone who speaks Spa…
Geography Teacher - Independent School - Croydon
We are looking for an ambitious teacher to teach Geography to GCSE and A-Level for one of the best Independent Schools in the country based in Croydon. Geography Teacher Independent School …
Automatic Gate Engineer
Automatic Gate Engineer - North London - Up to £45,000 basic salary per annum Automatic Gate Engineer Package Overview: * £37,000 - £45,000 Basic Salary + Overtime (Negotiable depending on experience…
Design Technology Teacher - Outstanding School - Sutton
Design Technology Teacher – Outstanding School – Sutton We are looking for a Design Technology Teacher to work in an Outstanding School starting as soon as possible on a full-time basis . The …
VAT Associate Director, Real Estate, London : £80 - 105k guide
● This Big 4 firm’s team that specialises in Real Estate work is keen to find identify talented individuals at Associate Director/Senior Manager grade. ● The team has seen significant growth in rece…
Legal Operations Lead (Hiring Immediately)
WHO WE ARE At Trustly, we're building a smarter, faster, and more secure financial future by revolutionizing the world of payments. As a global leader in Open Banking Payments, we are establishing P…
Biology Teacher - Harrow
An esteemed Independent School in Harrow requires a permanent, full-time Teacher of Biology, starting January 2026. Join a collaborative and high-achieving Science faculty. About the School T…
Pricing Analyst
Sapiens is seeking a commercially minded Pricing Analyst to play a key supporting role in enabling consistent, scalable pricing and packaging governance across the business, as part of broader go‑to‑…