Principal Technical Architect

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking an experienced and practicing Technical Architect.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UK's National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing the National Timing Centre that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure. This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference.

As the Principal Technical Architect, you will enjoy collaborating with prominent Scientists, Engineers and specialists in Cyber Security, to design and implement an architect solutions to time, quality and cost.

Key Responsibilities

Define the overall Technical Architecture for the solution, ensuring that it meets the requirements, is deliverable and is capable of underpinning delivery of a mission critical service
Ensure Technical Architecture is fully documented in accordance with the applicable standards and governance.
Through development of the Technical Architecture ensure that the optimal set of system components are adopted in terms of performance, risk, cost and long-term supportability/obsolescence.
Build and maintain a sound understanding of NPL's own capabilities and strategic intent, consequently inform its internal capability.
Support NPL's implementation of its own technical development and recruitment strategy.
Working with the Project Management Team, break down the solution into a set of components that can be delivered efficiently as part of a coherent and structured delivery plan.
Engage with the Design Team and Developers so that they understand the technical aspects of their delivery
Support progress reporting to NPL leadership, in relation to technical aspects of the delivery including risks, opportunities, progress against plan, resourcing requirements and external partnering needs.
Liaise with the end client to ensure that they are fully updated on the overall Technical Architecture, how it will meet their requirements, progress through delivery and any dependencies that there are upon them,
Engage with delivery partners to ensure that they are fully aware of their role in delivery of the solution architecture and the dependencies that rest with them

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.

Essential criteria:

Strong technical background. Experience in successful delivery of complex mission critical projects at scale.
Experience as a Technical Architect responsible for development and subsequent implementation of complex, mission critical network infrastructures through the project life cycle.
Strong technical interest, maintaining currency with exploitable emerging technologies and key players in the field.
Experienced working across the full project life cycle and within associated standards/governance regimes for delivery of scale mission critical projects into UK Government.
Proactive and forward thinking, capable of looking into the longer term to identify potential future challenges and determine solutions. For example through capability development/partnering strategy to ensure that the team is adequately resourced to meet the needs to the Architected Solution.
A strong communicator, capable of bridging between business need, solution requirements, system designers and technical delivery.
Ability to engage and command respect when engaging at senior levels within client and internal stakeholder communities.

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 this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are 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. However, to work in this role, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

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 EqualityAct 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 abroad 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.