Software Engineer

Overview

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Software 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,
• Wider digital and data-driven operations

Together, these services form the backbone of modern society — and you will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.

Responsibilities

As Software Engineer, you’ll collaborate with prominent Scientists and Engineers to develop and implement innovative, production-ready software to time, quality, and cost.

• Collaborating with senior stakeholders to ensure that software aligns with business strategy
• Working cross-functionally to gather project requirements, analyse feasibility, and provide technical recommendations
• Working as an Agile Software team, taking responsibility for your own deliverables, and reviewing the work of others
• Code reviews to ensure cleanliness, efficiency and quality through testing and debugging, and adherence of standards throughout the software development cycle
• Risk communication and mitigation
• Explaining complex tech concepts and advisory to internal and external stakeholders, from technical and non-technical backgrounds

About you / Qualifications

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

• Recent and proven experience in design and delivery of production-ready software
• Degree-level educated in Computer Science, Mathematics (or closely related discipline), or equivalent experience
• Risk management and communication

Essential technical skills

• Python
• DevOps methodology
• Docker
• Telegraf/Influx/Grafana stack
• CI/CD practices

Security clearance & eligibility

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.

Application notes

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr