National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Ourworld-leading Time & Frequency departmentare seeking a Platform Engineer with experience in scripting and automation. About the Role Ourworld-leading Time & Frequency departmentare seeking a Platform Engineer with experience in scripting and automation. 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, and Wider digital and data-driven operations. Together, these services form the backbone of modern society - and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail. Key responsibilities Deliver high-quality code/automation/runbooks for the build and support of servers and software Continually improve knowledge and skills to keep abreast of technological advancements, understand the impact of your work, and communicate opportunities with your team Demonstrate strong, clear, and engaging communication skills, whilst contributing effectively as part of a team Security mindset About You To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications: Essential Knowledge of Windows or Linux, with a willingness to develop skills across both Scripting and automation (such as Bash, PowerShell, Packer, Ansible, Terraform, Docker, etc.) A degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, or closely related discipline Highly-desirable Python Software development in a Unix/Linux environment Internet protocols and services (such as SMTP, DNS, HTTP, etc.) VMWare Programmatic / automation mindset that streamlines workflows, whilst collaborating with teams to improve platform support It is also desirable if you have interest in Physics, measurements, and communications, for example: Time and frequency measurement and time scale steering Real-time monitoring and control of electronic hardware Satellite communication, opticalfibreand GNSS-based systems Please note: We strongly encourage applications from candidates who may not meet all of the listed criteria. 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.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking a Senior Personnel Security Advisor to lead strategic development and day-to-day management of personnel security risks. The role requires ensuring compliance with government standards, IPSA, and implementing security measures, with a focus on intelligence-led risk mitigation. You will oversee vetting, aftercare, and a multi-source intelligence capability while collaborating with HR and security teams.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is recruiting a Senior Platform Engineer to join the Time & Frequency team on a 12 month fixed term contract. You will design, deploy and operate VMware, VDI, Windows Server, and automation platforms with a focus on resilience and security. You will lead provisioning, upgrades, and lifecycle management while delivering IaC and robust documentation. The role requires clear communication with stakeholders and readiness for potential site travel.

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom seeks a Senior Platform Engineer to lead Linux, tooling and security across enterprise platforms. The role focuses on automation, DevOps practices, PKI, and identity/security services, with travel to sites as required. Fixed-term 12-month contract, with emphasis on resilience and secure infrastructure. You will work within the Time & Frequency department, contributing to critical national digital infrastructure and ensuring robust,

About the Role Fixed Term Contract for 12 months Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking a Senior Platform Engineer with expertise in Microsoft infrastructure, Linux system administration, automation, security and operational support, with particular focus on Active Directory, PKI, automation, security technologies, and operational support. 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, and Wider digital and data-driven operations. Together, these services form the backbone of modern society - and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail. Key Responsibilities As a Senior Platform Engineer specialising in Linux, Tooling, and Security, you will help design, deliver, and support secure infrastructure services across complex enterprise and customer environments, with a strong focus on automation and DevOps practices. Working as part of a specialist team, you will implement, harden, automate, and support core identity, security, messaging, and infrastructure platforms, including orchestration services (Kubernetes) running on virtual platforms. Administering, maintaining, and securing Linux environments, including Linux/DevOps tooling and open-source Linux databases. Assisting with the administration, maintenance, and optimisation of VMware vCenter and vSAN environments. Supporting the management and utilisation of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and certificate services. Designing, implementing, and supporting resilient, highly available infrastructure solutions, while troubleshooting complex infrastructure, platform, and network issues. Delivering upgrades, migrations, patching, and lifecycle management activities. Developing and maintaining automation and orchestration capabilities using scripting and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Supporting enterprise security initiatives, including privileged access management, monitoring, logging, and data protection solutions. Producing technical documentation, operational procedures, and support runbooks. Contributing to disaster recovery, business continuity, and redundancy planning. Travelling to sites as required to support deployment, implementation, and operational activities. About You To be successful in this role, you will have: Strong experience administering Linux Server environments within enterprise organisations, including the design, implementation, and support of Linux services. Experience administering, maintaining, and supporting VMware environments. Strong automation and scripting experience using tools such as Bash, Ansible, Terraform, Python, and other enterprise automation frameworks. Experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting secure, resilient, and highly available systems. Experience producing technical documentation, operational procedures/runbooks, and implementation plans. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and engagement skills. Demonstrable experience in a senior infrastructure, platform engineering, systems administration, or technical consultancy role. Relevant Linux, security, infrastructure, or automation certifications are desirable. Desirable Criteria Knowledge of MS Windows operating systems, with a willingness to further develop MS Windows skills and MS Tooling. Experience with Kubernetes and containerised platforms Experience supporting infrastructure in regulated, public sector, financial, or security-conscious environments. 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 possible. 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.

About the Role Fixed Term Contract for 12 months Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking a Senior Platform Engineer with experience in VMware technologies, VDI platforms, automation, systems administration, and infrastructure resilience. 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, and Wider digital and data-driven operations. Together, these services form the backbone of modern society - and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail. Key Responsibilities As a Senior Platform Engineer specialising in Virtualisation, Windows, and Security, you will support and maintain critical infrastructure across multiple customer environments, with a strong focus on automation and DevOps practices. Working as part of a specialist team, you will design, deploy, administer, and optimise virtualisation platforms, end-user computing solutions, servers, and supporting infrastructure services, including orchestration services (Kubernetes) running on virtual platforms. Key responsibilities include: Administering, maintaining, and optimising VMware vCenter and vSAN environments. Supporting and developing VDI platforms. Managing Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, Trusts, DNS, Group Policy, PKI, certificate services, and security hardening. Designing, implementing, and supporting resilient, highly available infrastructure solutions, while troubleshooting complex infrastructure, platform, and network issues. Delivering upgrades, migrations, patching, and lifecycle management activities. Developing automation and orchestration capabilities using scripting and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Supporting enterprise security initiatives, including privileged access management, monitoring, logging, and data protection. Producing technical documentation, operational procedures, and support runbooks. Contributing to disaster recovery, business continuity, and redundancy planning. Travelling to sites as required to support deployment, implementation, and operational activities. About You Essential Criteria Experience designing, deploying, administering, and supporting VMware environments, including ESXi, vCenter, and vSAN. Experience administering Windows Server in enterprise environments, including the design, implementation, and support of Microsoft services such as Active Directory, Group Policy, and PKI. Experience supporting VDI environments. Strong scripting and automation skills using one or more of PowerShell, Ansible, Bash, Python, or Terraform. Experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting secure, resilient, and highly available systems. Experience producing technical documentation, operational procedures/runbooks, and implementation plans. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and engagement skills. Demonstrable experience in a senior infrastructure, platform engineering, systems administration, or technical consultancy role. Relevant certifications in VMware, Omnissa, Microsoft, or automation technologies are desirable. Desirable Criteria Knowledge of Linux operating systems, with a willingness to further develop skills in Linux & related Linux tooling. Experience with Kubernetes and containerised platforms. Experience supporting infrastructure in regulated, public sector, financial, or security-conscious environments. 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. 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.

Step into a Principal position at the forefront of telecom security research, where you will shape not only how vulnerabilities are discovered, understood, and mitigated, but also how telecom security research evolves across the wider industry. As one of the organisation's leading technical experts, you will define strategic research priorities, influence national telecom security outcomes, and build capability within both the organisation and the broader security community. About the Role Step into a Principal position at the forefront of telecom security research, where you will shape not only how vulnerabilities are discovered, understood, and mitigated, but also how telecom security research evolves across the wider industry. As one of the organisation's leading technical experts, you will define strategic research priorities, influence national telecom security outcomes, and build capability within both the organisation and the broader security community. You will provide hands- on technical leadership across complex research programmes, mentor and develop researchers, engage senior stakeholders, and represent the organisation as a recognised authority in telecom security and vulnerability research. Alongside hands- on research, you'll drive innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and help shape the future of secure telecommunications. Shape Vulnerability Research Strategy - Define and drive vulnerability research across carrier- grade telecom systems. You will identify emerging technologies, prioritise strategic research opportunities, and ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of telecom security innovation. Your work will directly influence the resilience of critical national infrastructure and the UK's telecom security capabilities. Lead Complex Research Programmes - Provide technical leadership across large- scale research initiatives, guiding investigations into complex real- world technologies and uncovering previously unknown security vulnerabilities. You will tackle highly ambiguous challenges, connect insights across multiple domains, and help shape how future telecom systems are secured. Build Capability & Research Excellence - Act as a mentor and role model for researchers across the organisation, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and technical excellence. You will develop talent, establish best practices, review technical work, and help shape the future capability of the vulnerability research function. Apply AI to Advanced Security Research - There is the opportunity to lead the development and application of AI- enabled research capabilities using UKTL's secure, on- premises AI hardware. You will use these resources to accelerate vulnerability discovery, automate complex analysis, and develop innovative tooling and models for telecom security research, while ensuring sensitive data and workloads remain within UKTL's controlled environment. Build and Grow Technical Communities - Champion knowledge sharing and collaboration both internally and externally. You will establish and nurture research communities, facilitate technical exchanges, and create opportunities for learning and innovation across the telecom and cyber security ecosystem. Represent UKTL as a Thought Leader - Serve as a recognised expert within the telecom security community. You will present research findings at industry conferences, working groups, government forums, and technical communities, translating complex research into meaningful insights that influence decision- making and advance the state of the art. Engage Senior Stakeholders - Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, industry partners, academics, regulators, and government organisations. You will communicate complex technical topics clearly and effectively, helping stakeholders understand risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities. Work, Build & Experiment in a World- Class Lab - Operate within a cutting- edge research environment where exploration and experimentation are encouraged. You will have the freedom to deconstruct systems, challenge assumptions, discover new attack vectors, and develop innovative approaches that strengthen telecom security at scale. Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week 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. About You Your Skills & Experience Recognised expert in vulnerability research with a track record of driving technical direction, influencing security strategy, and delivering impactful research outcomes. Extensive experience delivering and leading vulnerability research with influence across multiple organisations, programmes, or technical domains. Expertise in telecommunications technologies, including 4G/5G, fibre broadband, and carrier- grade network infrastructure, is highly desirable. Training will be provided to support further development in these areas. Demonstrated ability to rapidly develop expertise in new technologies, platforms, programming languages, and telecommunications domains. Deep understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles and how security risks emerge throughout system design, development, deployment, and operation. Applied knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, standards, authentication mechanisms, digital signatures, data structures, distributed systems, virtualisation, and containerisation technologies. Strong knowledge of embedded systems, operating systems, Linux internals, and hardware debugging and prototyping techniques. Technical Leadership & Strategy Proven experience defining research roadmaps, setting technical direction, and leading complex research programmes in ambiguous and evolving environments. Ability to translate emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and research findings into strategic recommendations that influence organisational and national security outcomes. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and providing technical leadership, mentoring, coaching, and development to researchers at all levels. Demonstrated ability to influence technical decision- making across multiple teams and stakeholder groups without direct authority. Stakeholder Management & External Engagement Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts and research findings to a technical audiences. Experience representing organisations externally as a subject matter expert in vulnerability research, telecommunications security, and cyber security. Proven ability to influence industry direction, contribute to standards discussions, and build partnerships that advance organisational objectives. Community Building & Thought Leadership Track record of building, growing, and fostering technical communities, both internally and externally, creating environments that encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Experience organising, leading, or contributing to research communities, working groups, special interest groups, open- source initiatives, or industry forums. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high- quality technical papers, presentations, blogs, advisory reports, or research publications. Recognised as a trusted expert who actively contributes to the wider vulnerability research and telecom security community through speaking engagements, publications, mentoring, and collaboration. 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. We actively recruit citizens from all backgrounds; however, due to the sensitive nature of the work in this area, nationality, residency, and security requirements are more tightly defined than in other roles. To work in this position, you will need to meet the necessary security standards. The role requires DV clearance with no restrictions, though you are able to start in post with SC clearance while your DV clearance is in progress. You are welcome to apply without already holding the required clearance, but you will not be able to start in post until the appropriate level - SC - has been successfully granted. Read more about UKTL here! About Us UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll- out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Successful candidates will join a state- of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK's world- class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors. As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors. . click apply for full job details

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal in telecom security research to shape how vulnerabilities are discovered, understood, and mitigated, and to influence the evolution of telecom security across the industry. You will provide hands-on technical leadership, mentor researchers, engage senior stakeholders, and represent NPL as a recognised authority in telecom security and vulnerability research.

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom is seeking a Benefits and Monitoring & Evaluation Manager for the Time & Frequency department to consolidate benefits and evaluation evidence across the UK National Timing Centre programme. You will own the central tracking, ensure consistency, and challenge outputs before they reach senior decision-makers. This role requires rigour, independence of thought and the ability to steer cross functional teams toward credible, well evidenced