Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking an experienced and practicing Senior Software Engineer.

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. 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 Senior Software Engineer, you’ll collaborate with prominent Scientists and Engineers to develop and implement innovative, production-ready software to time, quality, and cost.

Key responsibilities:

• 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
• Leadership of an Agile Software team, with review of work
• Code reviews to ensure cleanliness, efficiency and quality through testing and debugging, and adherence of standards throughout the software development cycle
• Working as a team to accurately assess and communicate risks and mitigations
• Explaining complex tech concepts and advisory to both internal and external stakeholders, from technical and non-technical backgrounds
•  Staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in software engineering and sharing your knowledge to advance the team

This role offers exciting opportunities to collaborate with subject-matter experts across the business.

We believe that diversity and unique perspectives are key to the success of our science projects. For this role, we particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in STEM disciplines, in particular women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates.

Reporting to a Programme Manager, you’ll enjoy responsibility for the development of software to defined timelines and budget. You’ll utilise your analytical and technical skills to contribute toward the design and implementation of software which pushes the boundaries of measurement accuracy and stability.

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

• Degree level educated in Computer Science, Mathematics(or closely related discipline) from a leading University, or equivalent experience
• Proven and recent experience in design and delivery of production-ready software
• Previous experience of leading an Agile software team
• Risk management and communication
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts
• Team player with a proactive, never-fail attitude in the face of ambiguous situations

Essential technical skills:

1. Python
2. GIT / Linux
3. DevOps methodology
4. Azure
5. Docker

Highly-desirable technical skills:

1. Telegraf/Influx/Grafana stack
2. CICD practices

It is also desirable if you have interest in Physics, measurements, and communications, for example:

• Time and frequency measurement and time scales 
• Real-time monitoring and control of electronic hardware.
• Satellite communication, optical fibre and GNSS-based systems.

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 possible.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and elevated security requirements are more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work in this role, you will need to have a SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain a SC clearance.

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. 

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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see 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 benefits. 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.