We have an exciting opportunity for a graduate or industrial design engineer to join the non-destructive testing (NDT) area in the Advanced Engineering Materials group at NPL in Teddington. This is home to a unique scientific facility that supports UK industry, alongside a team of internationally recognised scientists and engineers. We develop new test methods to tackle high-risk high-reward measurement challenges that ensure the safety and prosperity of the UK.
What you will be doing
- You will be working within a team of scientists and engineers, helping design and build bespoke machines and test rigs for structural monitoring.
- You will be carrying out short- and long-term projects for external customers.
- Your role will include writing safety risk assessments for both on-site and off-site activities.
- Alongside your role there will be opportunities to learn standardised testing, and also to develop bespoke mechanical testing techniques for the laboratory, and off-site.
- Your role will mostly be based on-site at Teddington but will include working off-site several times a year on project deployments. Flexibility during some weekends and/or antisocial hours may be required and time in lieu is offered in return.
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 internally as 'Engineer or Higher Engineer'
We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work-life balance – if you are looking for 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
You'll be a positive and self-motivated engineer who is keen to develop a career in materials science with a special interest in NDT using a wide range of measurement techniques.
Your role will involve experimental work in the laboratory, working off site on occasions, data exploration, presentation and customer facing activities. You'll solve problems in the laboratory, and in the field as they arise, and ensure timely delivery of research and commercial contracts for industrial customers. The emphasis of your work will be development of new systems rather than routine measurements.
Training will be provided but you'll be keen to learn and develop.
Essential skills and experience required:
- A degree in engineering, science, industrial design or design engineering.
- Mechanical design and an ability to visualise practical solutions to complex engineering problems.
- Practical skills such as design and build, use of hand tools, drills etc.
- Mechatronics or robotics and using small control devices such as Arduino, ESP32 or similar.
- Familiarity with Solidworks or a similar 3D CAD package
- Familiarity with different types of materials and basic materials testing techniques for stress and strain.
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
- Proficient in IT software systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel etc
- Flexibility to learn new skills and keen to learn.
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 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.
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.
