Systems Engineer - Time and synchronisation

Systems Engineer – Time and synchronisation

We lead missions to outer planets, observe the Earth from space, bring technology to Mars, integrate aerospace technology into people's daily lives… We are looking for a Systems Engineer – Time and synchronisation who will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of time and frequency synchronisation systems.

The role involves working with a variety of technologies, including atomic clocks, GNSS, and time transfer protocols over Ethernet, wireless, optical, and satellite links. The team also explores innovative solutions, such as quantum technologies and machine learning applications in timing.

The ideal candidate should have experience in the design, development, and testing of both hardware and software systems, with a strong interest in multidisciplinary engineering challenges.

This role requires a UK national with security clearance (SC or above) or the ability to obtain UK security clearance. Only UK national candidates with security clearance or those that can obtain UK security clearance can be considered for this role.

• Design and support time distribution systems, and time transfer methods (White Rabbit, TWSTFT, GNSS, NTP, PTP).
• Develop and maintain timescales for high‑precision applications.
• Support field deployments, system commissioning, and troubleshooting of timing hardware and software.
• Produce detailed technical documentation, including requirement specifications, design justifications, and test reports.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of time synchronisation principles, time transfer protocols, and timing architectures.
• Experience with frequency standards, time interval measurement, and synchronisation systems.
• Familiarity with time and frequency stability metrics, such as Allan Deviation and phase noise.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

• Experience with White Rabbit, PTP (IEEE 1588), or NTP‑based systems.
• Good knowledge of Linux, networks, Python, Docker, Git Lab.
• Knowledge of PCB design, VHDL.
• Knowledge of signal processing and SDR.
• Exposure to scientific or telecom infrastructure projects.

Travels up to several weeks are expected to perform some parts of the work in customer premises (meetings and laboratory activities).

• Hybrid working model and 8 weeks per year of teleworking outside your usual geographical area.
• Personalised career plan development, training and language learning support.
• Competitive compensation with ongoing reviews, flexible compensation and discount on brands.
• Wellbeing programme:
  Health, dental and life insurance; free fruit and coffee, physical, mental health support and much more!

In our recruitment processes you will always have telephone and personal contact, face‑to‑face or online, with our talent acquisition team. In addition, bank transfers and bank cards will never be requested. If you are contacted through any other process, please write to our team at

We promote equal opportunities in recruitment, and we are committed to inclusion and diversity.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Nina Miller, in charge of this vacancy.