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Applied Physics Engineer

NPL

£43,240
Greater London
Engineering
Science and Research

Role

About the Role

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 via a combination of numerical simulation, mathematical modelling and experimental verification. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early to mid-career professional who wants to be exposed to a variety of challenges and avenues to learn.
 
What you’ll be doing:
  • Simulation and design of physical systems using Finite-Element-Analysis software and other design software.
  • Provide expert and innovative insight to our design teams and science groups on Heat-Transfer, Fluid-Flow and other physical phenomena in their research and engineering to achieve functional specifications.
  • 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.
  • Prepare design documentation for product life-cycle management.
  • Peer review of design and documentation produced by other NPL engineers. 
As our Higher Engineer, you'll be responsible for planning and delivery of technical activities to support demonstrable impact. You'll acquiring the additional knowledge in order to recognise and analyse a range of problems, and to develop solutions to address these. You'll lead on the delivery of technical activities to deliver demonstrable impact to the business and the UK to meet bid requirements.
 
As our Senior Engineer, you will provide specialist expertise in instrumentation and automation systems design, whilst being responsible for assuring compliance with legislation and standards of products provided by NPL. As a senior member of the team, you’ll supervise other members of the team– sharing your knowledge and motivating them to do better. As an expert in your field, you'll provide everyday design solution advice and a consultancy service as needed across the department.  As such, you’ll be expected to be up to date with the latest developments.

 
We are recruiting across levels and will consider applications from candidates with varied experience. Offer and salary will depend on experience.
 
Please note, this role is known as Higher Engineer or Senior Engineer internally.

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. You are someone who enjoys using your keen understanding of physics to solve real world problems. You’ll also have an excellent attention to detail.
 
What you can bring to the role (key skills and requirements):
  • Bachelor of Science or Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Strong understanding of physics and mathematics fundamentals.
  • Proficiency in Finite-Element-Analysis and industry standard tools such as COMSOL.
  • Experience in industry and instrumentation design and fabrication.
  • 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.

We would also welcome the following:

  • Experience with Heat-Transfer and Fluid-Flow modelling.
  • Masters or PhD in Physics or Engineering specialising in mathematical modelling.
  • Experience with one or more programming languages, particularly Labview, Python or MATLAB.
 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.

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, 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 accreditation 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.