Whether you’re talking about length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount or the brightness of light, the National Physical Laboratory sets the standards by which these things are all measured. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.
We are recruiting for an Assistant Engineer to join our Underwater Acoustics team, part of the Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group.
Our underwater acoustics section has a number of unique facilities for the test and characterisation of underwater transducers, sonars and bespoke systems.
The primary location for this role is at our Open Water Test Facility based at Wraysbury. The facility is a fully equipped floating laboratory on a fresh-water reservoir accessed by boat.
In the role, you will perform a variety of tasks involved in the delivery of underwater acoustics capabilities. You will be part of the Underwater Acoustics team at NPL, directed by senior staff in the group.
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 full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where it is business possible. In addition, there is a wide range of Benefits available to you as an NPL employee.
No specific education is required as technical acoustics training, and hands-on training on the facility will be provided. The right attitude, and ability to work within a team is essential. Ideally, a successful candidate will have a track record in a customer facing role, delivering technical work and be skilled in practical work, including use of hand tools and power tools. The role would suit someone who is mechanically minded and has problem solving skills.
Boat handling and first aid at work qualifications are essential to the role but full training and certification can be provided. However, current, or past experience of water activities would be advantageous.
The job expects high standards delivered at a specific time in a specific timeframe. The job opportunities require you to have an open mind and possess a natural flair and finesse for customer service and attention to detail. Main requirements of the role include:
- Adhere to all Health safety and Security rules;
- Arrive prompt and complete assigned daily jobs within specific timescales – these jobs cover a wide variety, are varied and take place at Wraysbury Reservoir Open Water Test Facility, so you must be able to travel to this location easily. Some activities do require attendance at the main Teddington facility so flexibility to attend either site is needed;
- Support for preparing and delivering acoustic measurements;
- Delivery of a wide variety of practical experimental work;
- Representation of the Group and NPL;
- Technical maintenance on the facility; regular maintaining and troubleshooting problems as they arise
If you’re interested then please add a covering letter which provides an insight to you; why you have decided to apply, why you think you are suitable, or how the job aligns with your long-term plans. Please be sure to mention any relevant experience (boats, facility maintenance, technical delivery, customer interaction, other) to support your application.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of some of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others.
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.
If you are applying for this position and you have been displaced by the Ukrainian crisis, please apply and email careers@npl.co.uk or text 07976873073 highlighting you are applying under the “We support Ukraine” initiative – Ukraine employment support – NPL
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.