Are you interested in a career in systems engineering?
At NPL, we are looking for a Systems Engineering Graduate with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in industry, energy, the environment, and healthcare, to join our Engineering group.
We pledge that NPL will be a place to create a positive impact for the world and your career.
The role
As part of our two-year NPL Graduate Programme you will join our Engineering Department– which pushes the boundaries of what is possible. You’ll rotate 2 or 3 times to ensure you are getting great exposure of the work and projects happening.
These rotations will fast track your development through a mix of on-the-job learning, training, and networking and aim to respond to the national challenges of:
- Prosperity: delivering measurement solutions to maximise innovation and prosperity in advanced manufacturing
- Security and resilience: managing the risks to our national security and resilience infrastructure
- Environment: science-directed measurement solutions for environment climate action and a sustainable future
- Health: supporting healthcare, life science and the bio economy
You will learn how to support the engineering design development, operation and maintenance of complex systems such as our DIAL mobile emissions monitoring or our Kibble balance equipment, through their whole lifecycle.
You will be based at our Teddington site and will be working on projects through practical and theory-based learning. Once you have completed the two-year programme you will join us as a permanent Systems Engineer, with a working knowledge of complementary areas. We will provide the space and support so you can be the best version of yourself, as well as the tools to navigate the different demands of our work.
As a Graduate Systems Engineer, you will have the chance to collaborate with a variety of teams, which will help build and grow your network. You will be engaged in a range of engineering activities in the design and manufacture of a variety of bespoke high precision instruments, special purpose machines and scientific research equipment.
You will have exposure to disciplines ranging from systems engineering to software engineering, from mechanical to electrical & electronic design and manufacture, including all aspects of an engineered product lifecycle.
You will also be involved in supporting our community benefit activities – this may be going to local schools, supporting community activities, or helping at large NPL events. We will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a caring and daring community that truly values you and your contribution.
What we offer
- Competitive starting salary
- Annual related pay review (non-contractual)
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the option to buy/sell annual leave days
- 6 – 12 month tailored placements for the duration of the programme
- Pension scheme with a minimum 5% employer contribution (12% employer contribution if you elect to contribute 6%)
- Social and networking events with other graduates both on the programme and previous cohorts
- Paid disability leave
- Access to a wide array of learning and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme
- Interest free loans (Up to £5k for season ticket loans, house purchase deposit and rental deposit)
- Bike4Work scheme
- Recognition awards
- Civil Service Sports and Leisure discounts
- Free parking on site
- Located in South West London, our main site in Teddington is one of the most advanced metrology facilities in the world
About the process
- Application form with cover letter, explaining what attracts you to the NPL Graduate Programme
- Successful completion of an online assessment
- Your first telephone interview will be conducted via Microsoft Teams
- If you’re selected, you’ll attend an assessment centre, which will be held at our Teddington site in February / March 2025
- If successful, we look forward to welcoming you in September 2025!
About you
For this role we encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams and bring fresh perspectives.
We believe that diversity of perspective is key to sparking the creativity needed to respond to the challenges at NPL and are seeking individuals, particularly women, those with disabilities and minority ethnic candidates, who can bring their backgrounds and personal experiences to the team. To be successful in role, you will have the following skills and qualifications:
- Have achieved or be on target to achieve a degree in Systems Engineering, or in an Engineering discipline (for example; Mechanical, Electrical or Aeronautics Engineering), with a Systems Engineering specialisation, demonstrated either by an MSc, an MEng or additional short courses in Systems Engineering (unfortunately we are unable to progress candidates with IT subject degrees at this time, such as software, network and computer science)
- Aware of systems engineering concepts and their application to Engineering projects.
- Proven ability to work in a team to achieve a common goal, with good communication and collaboration skills
- Enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach
- Have written engineering technical reports during your studies, or are willing to learn if your experience was acquired in a different setting
- Ability to complete work which requires a high level of attention to detail
- Understand the value of providing good customer service, delivering high quality work and proactive communication
- Committed to your personal development and taking on learning opportunities to get the most from the role
- Be eligible to live and work in the UK at the time you start employment (we cannot provide visa sponsorship at this time)
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 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.
