15 May 2026
15 May 2026
Teddington, United Kingdom
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National Time Scale
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Starting from £40,138 per annum (depending on experience)
Permanent

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Software Engineer

About the Role
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 alternative to satellite systems such as GPS – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing. This will underpin essential services; including (though not limited to)

Telecommunications,

Online banking,

Emergency response,

Transport networks, and

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.

Key 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
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

- GIT / Linux

- DevOps methodology

- Azure

- Docker

Highly-desirable technical skills:

- Telegraf/Influx/Grafana stack

- CI/CD practices

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.