Job Description

We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Materials and Mechanical Metrology department here at NPL! You'll have the exciting opportunity to work on a range of our instrumentation and metrology projects and provide the technical expertise that informs the strategy that helps shape our site infrastructure.

As our Principal Systems Engineer, you'll have strong experience and a full understanding of Systems Engineering, the V-Model and associated processes/lifecycles. In previous roles, you would have been involved in all stages of the instrument development lifecycle, from early concept development through to delivery and reporting.

In this role, you'll be responsible for the requirements definition & management, overall system architecture, assembly, integration, validation & verification, installation, commissioning, and delivery of scientific instrumentation.

You'll identify that the highest quality technical solutions are applied, in a cost-effective way and within schedule. Using your technical knowledge, you'll appraise equipment and make recommendations for further efficiencies and compliance whilst ensure that all safety procedures are followed and reported.

One of our current projects involves The Kibble Balance , click on the link to find out more!

You'll also be involved in:

Overall Systems Leadership of large and complex Science/Engineering projects, leading, coordinating and managing all technical inputs to instrument design and development. Development of design specifications and conducting design activities Completion of technical analyses and investigations, including evaluation and selection of technical options, and prepare reports/presentations with suggested recommendations to support the design of improvements. Review/agreement and control of External & Internal Interface documents and management of interface baseline Application of end-to-end systems analysis and modelling. Development of instrument performance models, manufacturing and alignment tolerances, and component specifications. Derivation of and management of technical budgets/tolerances. Development of assembly, integration, and test plans to verify compliance with requirements. Management of the assembly, integration, and testing of systems and sub-systems of instruments and scientific products Technical delivery of complex hardware and software systems Planning, coordination, and delivery of internal and external reviews. Review and sign-off of associated documentation. Documentation of System Design, processes/procedures, and test results Liaising with other specialists to ensure performance is maintained and requirements are met throughout the instrument development lifecycle. Generation and review of technical proposals, providing accurate estimates for the associated effort, costs, and risks, for bids and proposals, resulting in contract awards.


Our Principal Systems Engineer will have people management skills, who has previously managed multidisciplinary science/engineering teams. You will mentor and lead a small team of Systems Engineers allocated to each project, delegating, and reviewing work.



With excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a satisfactory design, development, and delivery process. You will also provide technical leadership of project teams, alongside project managers and science leads.

Key Skills and Experience:

Degree in Physics / an applicable engineering subject area (Optical, Mechanical, Electronics, Systems or Software), or equivalent Industry Systems Engineering experience across the full Systems Engineering Lifecycle. Experience in developing and delivering complex instrumentation and control systems, working to deadlines in a multi-project environment. Knowledge of a wide range of technologies. Excellent analytical and technical problem solving. Project management skills

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.

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.


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.