About The Role

Please note this role is known internally as ‘Higher Engineer’

We are seeking a passionate Physicist or Engineer to  join our growing Engineering team at NPL. Our Engineering Design group is a key part in the design and preparation for manufacturing systems and instruments that are used within the organisation and for external customers. You’ll be involved in the design, development and test of new metrology systems and their supporting software via a combination of numerical simulation, mathematical modelling and experimental verification . This is a fantastic opportunity for an early career professional who wants to be exposed to a variety of challenges and avenues to learn.

This is a hybrid role with the flexibility to spend approx. 2 – 3 days a week on site in Teddington, and 2 – 3 days working remotely.

What you’ll be doing:

Simulation and design of physical systems using ray-tracing and finite element analysis software. E.g. Optical system s, heat transfer and fluid flow design .
Programming equipment using Labview and Python.
Maintaining and designing products and systems safely according to best practice , following governance processes and preparing for review meetings
Participating in cross discipline design discussions with our electronic and mechanical hardware design teams.
Developing and maintaining software in existing systems .
Prepar e design documentation for product life-cycle management.
Peer reviewing of code and documentation produced by other NPL engineers.

We are now working in a hybrid we will 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.

About You

We believe that diversity and unique perspectives are key to the success of our engineering projects. For this role, we particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in STEM disciplines, in particular women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as well as the Armed Forces service leavers looking to transition into civilian workforce.

You’ll be a driven individual who with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for problem solving. One who wants to put into practice all the knowledge and skills you have worked hard to learn. You’ll also have an excellent attention to detail.

What you can bring to the role (key skills and requirements):

Bachelor’s of Science / Engineering or equivalent experience.
Experience with one or more programming languages, particularly Labview , Python or MATLab .
Strong understanding of physics and mathematics fundamentals.
Experience with optical bench and laboratory instrumentation.
Excellent problem-solving ability .
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage with internal and external customers at all levels.
The ability to estimate development timescales and produce high quality design documentation.

Desirable Criteria

Be a Certified Labview Developer .
Experience using version control tools – e.g. Git and Subversion.
Experience using simulation/analysis packages such as COMSOL and Zemax Optic S tudio .
Experience of software development workflow.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interv iews 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 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. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security 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.

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.

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