Space Optical Cavity Lead

Would you like to send your work to space? Our world-leading Time & Frequency department  is seeking a Space Optical Cavity Lead with proven expertise in optics and lasers. You will join a team of scientists and engineers developing the ultrastable lasers that will underpin next-generation scientific instruments, including atomic clocks and interferometers, as they are deployed in challenging environments both terrestrially and in orbit.   

You will be joining the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) which is the UK's National Metrology Institute. Our role as a world-leading centre of excellence is to research, create and deliver cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology across many fields of industry to underpin the UK’s prosperity and quality of life. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leading a team delivering cutting-edge R&D in next-generation atomic clocks and frequency stabilisation systems 
• Researching and developing NPL’s patented cubic cavity area 
• Designing the next generation of high-finesse optical cavities 
• Guiding technology through space qualification 
• Engaging with industry and academic partners across related areas 
• Representing NPL externally to promote our work and raise our profile 
• Crafting winning project proposals aligned with NPL’s growth strategy 
• Leading the delivery of major projects and technical strategy  
• Developing the team and supporting space-qualified product development 
• Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities 

You’ll be a proactive technical leader who can solve complex laboratory challenges, build and lead strong teams and communicate clearly with partners and stakeholders.

Essential skills and experience of:

• Atomic or quantum physics, laser physics, frequency stabilisation, microwave electronics, mechanical design or a related field
• Technical leadership and major project delivery
• Technical strategy development
• Laboratory problem-solving and initiative

Desirable skills and experience of:

• Space-qualified hardware
• Measurement test plans and repeatable test procedures
• Semiconductor lasers and applications
• Atomic physics or optics laboratory experience
• Laboratory automation and Python instrument control
• Microwave engineering, including antenna design and impedance matching
• Laser testing and operation
• Servo electronics

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.

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.