Senior Software Engineer

About the Role

Build Software That Makes a Difference This isn't software development for another commercial product. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll design and develop systems that support the testing, research and security activities helping to strengthen the UK's telecoms infrastructure. You'll have genuine influence over architecture, engineering standards and technical decision-making while working alongside experts in cyber security, telecoms and research.

Why Join Us?

• Solve technically challenging problems with real-world impact
• Influence architecture and engineering direction
• Work across a broad range of technologies and platforms
• Collaborate with highly skilled technical specialists
• Explore new technologies and innovative approaches
• Be part of a culture focused on learning and continuous improvement What You'll Be Doing
• Design and develop secure, reliable and scalable software solutions
• Shape engineering standards, deployment approaches and best practices
• Review code and support engineers across the wider team
• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement
• Translate complex requirements into robust technical solutions
• Collaborate with stakeholders across technical and non-technical teams
• Support the adoption of modern engineering practices About You You'll likely have experience:
• Working within Agile environments
• Applying Dev. Sec. Ops principles
• Using strong testing practices such as TDD and BDD, amongst others.
• Designing and delivering complex software solutions
• Comfortable Developing with multiple programming languages and technologies, within a Linux environment.
• Communicating technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders
• Mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction You're someone who enjoys learning, solving difficult problems and leaving systems better than you found them. Flexible Working Successful applicants will be expected to attend our Birmingham office a minimum of two days per week. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide an excellent environment for collaboration, and we encourage colleagues to make the most of our on-site workspace. We are committed to fostering a positive work-life balance and welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs. Location Our site is conveniently located within easy reach of Birmingham, with excellent transport links. We are accessible by rail, with the nearest being Birmingham International station, and are also served by local bus routes. Free on-site parking is available for those travelling by car. Why Join UKTL? At UKTL, you'll be part of a mission that has real national impact, helping to strengthen the security, resilience, and future of the UK's telecommunications networks. We are committed to investing in our people, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your experience, and build a rewarding long-term career. Whether you're an experienced specialist or looking to grow your skills in a new area, you'll benefit from:
• Meaningful work that helps shape the future security of UK telecommunications.
• Access to industry-leading training, professional development, and certification opportunities.
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies across telecoms, cyber security, research, and testing.
• Collaboration with recognised experts in a highly skilled and supportive environment.
• Opportunities to work on unique projects that drive innovation and influence industry best practice.
• A culture that encourages continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and career progression. Security Clearance Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC clearance with no restrictions. Existing SC clearance would be advantageous, although candidates without clearance are encouraged to apply. Employment cannot commence until the required clearance has been successfully granted. Salary £60,000 - £80,000 per annum , dependent on skills, experience, and technical expertise. At UKTL, we recruit based on capability and potential rather than years of experience alone. Our assessment process will help determine the most appropriate grade and salary within the range, ensuring alignment between your skills, technical depth, and the requirements of the role. For exceptional candidates with specialist expertise, higher offers may be considered in line with market conditions and business needs. Our Benefits At UKTL-NPL, we recognise that our people are key to our success. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and financial security.

Benefits

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• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 12%.
• Life assurance providing cover of three times your annual salary.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, sick pay and shared parental leave.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and surrogacy leave, including up to 39 weeks' full pay.
• Private GP service with confidential phone and video appointments.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free and confidential advice and counselling.
• Group Income Protection for additional financial security during periods of long-term illness.
• Interest-free loans for season tickets, rental deposits, house purchase deposits and other qualifying purchases.
• My. Lifestyle benefits platform, providing discounts across retail, supermarkets, entertainment, travel and fitness providers.
• CSSC membership offering access to additional leisure, travel and lifestyle benefits.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Professional development opportunities including technical training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.
• Support towards professional accreditation and chartered status.
• Annual salary reviews and market benchmarking to ensure competitive and fair pay.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, employee networks, social clubs and community activities. We are committed to helping our people thrive both professionally and personally, providing the support, flexibility and opportunities needed to build a rewarding and mean ingful career.

About Us

UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Read more about UKTL here ! Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry.

You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors. As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

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 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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page. We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here 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.