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Senior GNSS & Geodesy Consultant - Job Opportunity at Ordnance Survey

Southampton, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 19, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 48,679 - 56,792 per year

Benefits

Competitive annual leave package starting at 28 days plus bank holidays with incremental increases up to 33 days, providing exceptional work-life balance compared to UK market standards
Premium on-site parking at modern Southampton headquarters, eliminating commuting costs and stress
Outstanding pension contribution scheme with employer matching up to 12.07%, significantly above UK average of 3%
Performance-related bonus opportunity up to 10% of salary, directly rewarding excellence and achievement
Comprehensive enhanced family leave including up to 12 weeks paid partner leave, demonstrating strong family support
Professional development investment through access to online learning platforms and structured coaching programs
Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme and eyecare vouchers
Flexible hybrid working arrangement allowing personal work-life optimization
Annual paid volunteer day supporting community engagement and corporate social responsibility
Cycle to Work scheme promoting sustainable commuting and health benefits
Exclusive free subscription to OS Maps providing professional tool access

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic innovation and operational excellence in national geodesy and PNT infrastructure, positioning the UK as a global leader in positioning technologies
Lead development and implementation of nationally critical geodetic and PNT strategic frameworks that underpin emergency services, financial systems, and national security operations
Spearhead collaborative initiatives across government, academia, and industry to advance quantum technologies and satellite-independent positioning systems
Provide expert technical leadership in managing OS Net's nationwide network of 110+ Continuously Operating Reference Stations delivering centimeter-level accuracy
Translate complex strategic objectives into actionable technical solutions and operational contexts, ensuring seamless execution of critical national infrastructure projects
Deliver high-impact consultancy services and stakeholder management across diverse technical and non-technical audiences, building sustainable partnerships
Lead cutting-edge research and development in GNSS signal processing, threat mitigation, and system integration to maintain technological advantage
Mentor and support multidisciplinary teams including positioning consultants, research scientists, and product development teams
Design and execute comprehensive equipment trials and proof-of-concept projects that drive capability growth and operational cost reduction

Requirements

Education

Master's degree level in geodesy and/or PNT or a related STEM subject, with experience in lieu of degree also acceptable

Experience

Senior-level experience with proven track record in commissioning and delivering projects and proof of concepts

Required Skills

Strong expertise in the application of geodesy and/or PNT Proven ability to translate strategic aims into operational contexts and technical solutions Process and analyse GNSS / geodetic data Test, evaluate and develop environments, including developing and leading equipment and system trials Detailed understanding of GNSS receiver operation and the full GNSS signal-processing chain GNSS threats and vulnerabilities knowledge PNT system integration expertise Consultancy experience and proven ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships Manage stakeholders effectively Communicate detailed technical applications to those with different skills and understanding Strong analytical skillset including experience identifying when/where data insight is required Define and analyse data to generate insights and recommendations

Certifications

Ideally a member (or applying to be a member) of an applicable professional body, e.g. RIN, RICS
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global GNSS market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increasing demand for precise positioning in autonomous vehicles, IoT applications, and smart city infrastructure. The market is projected to reach $455 billion by 2030, with particular emphasis on resilient PNT solutions that can operate independently of satellite systems. This growth is accelerated by rising concerns over GNSS vulnerabilities including jamming, spoofing, and solar weather events that have highlighted the critical need for alternative positioning technologies. Quantum technologies are emerging as the next frontier in positioning and timing systems, with quantum clocks and inertial sensors promising to revolutionize accuracy and reliability. Major governments and tech companies are investing billions in quantum PNT research, recognizing its potential to provide ultra-precise, satellite-independent positioning capabilities. The UK government has identified quantum technologies as a strategic priority, investing £2.5 billion in the National Quantum Strategy. Critical national infrastructure resilience has become a top priority following increased geopolitical tensions and cyber threats. The recognition that GNSS underpins everything from financial trading timestamps to emergency service dispatch has led to significant government investment in backup and alternative PNT systems. The UK's National Cyber Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of protecting and enhancing positioning infrastructure. The integration of AI and machine learning in geodetic data processing is transforming how positioning services are delivered and optimized. Advanced algorithms are enabling real-time correction services, predictive maintenance of reference stations, and enhanced accuracy in challenging environments. This technological convergence is creating new opportunities for innovation in traditional surveying and mapping organizations.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £48,679 - £56,792 is competitive for senior GNSS specialists in the UK market, particularly considering the comprehensive benefits package and pension contribution. When factoring in the 10% performance bonus potential and 12.07% pension contribution, the total compensation package approaches £65,000-£70,000 equivalent value, which aligns well with market rates for specialized technical roles in critical infrastructure sectors.

Role Significance

The role likely involves leading cross-functional teams of 5-15 technical specialists including geodetic surveyors, data scientists, and research engineers. The position requires collaboration across multiple departments and external organizations, suggesting matrix management responsibilities and influence over broader strategic initiatives beyond direct team management.
This is a high-impact senior specialist role that operates at the intersection of technical expertise and strategic planning. The position carries significant responsibility for national infrastructure decisions and requires the ability to influence policy and operational strategies across government and industry. The role demands deep technical knowledge combined with strategic thinking and stakeholder management capabilities.

Key Projects

Implementation and optimization of quantum-enhanced positioning systems integrated with existing GNSS infrastructure Development of resilient PNT frameworks for critical national infrastructure including emergency services and financial systems Modernization and expansion of the OS Net reference station network to support emerging technologies and increased accuracy requirements Research and development of GNSS threat mitigation technologies including anti-jamming and anti-spoofing solutions Strategic planning and implementation of next-generation geodetic reference systems aligned with international standards

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical operational implementation, particularly in translating complex geodetic concepts into actionable business solutions that support critical national infrastructure Strong stakeholder management and communication skills enabling effective collaboration across diverse audiences from government officials to academic researchers to commercial partners, essential for advancing national PNT strategy initiatives Deep technical expertise in both traditional geodetic principles and emerging quantum technologies, allowing for informed decision-making on technology investments and strategic directions in a rapidly evolving field Project leadership capabilities with proven track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget, particularly important given the critical nature of national infrastructure systems Strategic thinking combined with hands-on technical skills, enabling contribution to both high-level policy discussions and detailed technical implementation challenges

Market Demand

Demand for senior GNSS and geodesy specialists is exceptionally high due to the critical shortage of experts who understand both traditional surveying principles and emerging quantum technologies. The specialized nature of this field, combined with increasing infrastructure investment and national security priorities, creates a highly favorable job market for qualified professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

GNSS signal processing expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all positioning services and enables the analysis of system performance, threat detection, and accuracy optimization. This skill directly impacts the reliability and precision of services that support critical national infrastructure including emergency services, financial systems, and transportation networks. Geodetic data analysis capabilities are crucial for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of national coordinate systems and reference frames. This expertise ensures that all geographic data used across government and commercial applications maintains consistent accuracy and reliability, supporting everything from property boundaries to infrastructure planning. Stakeholder management and technical communication skills are vital given the role's requirement to work across government, academia, and industry. The ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences directly impacts the success of strategic initiatives and the adoption of new technologies across multiple sectors. Project leadership and strategic planning abilities are critical for translating national PNT strategies into operational reality. These skills ensure that complex, multi-year infrastructure projects are delivered successfully while managing competing priorities and resource constraints.

Beneficial Skills

Quantum technology familiarity would provide significant advantage as the field moves toward quantum-enhanced positioning systems. Understanding quantum clocks, sensors, and communication protocols will become increasingly valuable as these technologies transition from research to operational deployment. Software development skills in Python and specialized GNSS processing tools would enhance the ability to develop custom solutions and optimize existing systems. Programming expertise enables more efficient data processing, automated analysis, and integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure. Cybersecurity awareness and understanding of GNSS threats would add considerable value given increasing concerns about positioning system vulnerabilities. Knowledge of jamming, spoofing, and other attack vectors helps in developing more resilient systems and operational procedures. International standards and regulatory knowledge would support the role's involvement in policy development and ensure that UK systems remain compatible with global positioning infrastructure and emerging international requirements.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the rare opportunity to work on nationally critical infrastructure that directly impacts millions of citizens' daily lives, from GPS navigation to emergency services response, providing exceptional purpose and meaning in professional work
Access to cutting-edge quantum technologies and the chance to pioneer next-generation positioning systems that will define the future of navigation and timing services globally, positioning the successful candidate at the forefront of technological innovation
Direct collaboration with government agencies, leading academic institutions, and major technology companies on projects of strategic national importance, providing unparalleled networking and professional development opportunities
Involvement in shaping UK national policy and international standards for positioning and geodetic systems, offering influence over technical decisions with long-term societal impact
Work with OS Net, one of the world's most advanced continuously operating reference station networks, providing hands-on experience with infrastructure that serves as a model for other nations

Career Growth

Career progression to leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior consultants, particularly given the rapid growth in quantum PNT technologies and the shortage of experienced professionals who understand both traditional geodesy and emerging quantum applications.

Potential Next Roles

Lead PNT Scientist or Technical Director positions within Ordnance Survey or similar national mapping agencies Senior Technology Consultant roles with major geospatial technology companies like Trimble, Leica Geosystems, or Hexagon Government advisory positions in departments responsible for critical infrastructure, defense, or emerging technologies Academic leadership roles in universities with strong geodesy and positioning research programs Technical leadership positions in quantum technology companies developing next-generation PNT solutions

Company Overview

Ordnance Survey

Ordnance Survey is Britain's national mapping agency and one of the world's leading geospatial organizations with over 230 years of heritage in mapping and surveying. The organization has successfully transformed from a traditional paper map publisher into a digital-first geospatial data and technology company, serving government, commercial, and consumer markets. OS manages critical national infrastructure including the definitive geographic database for Great Britain and operates essential positioning services that support everything from emergency response to autonomous vehicle development.

OS holds a unique position as both a trusted government agency and innovative technology company, maintaining statutory responsibilities for national geodetic infrastructure while competing commercially in global geospatial markets. The organization's reputation for technical excellence and reliability makes it a preferred partner for major technology companies and government agencies worldwide, particularly in areas requiring high accuracy and reliability such as critical infrastructure and national security applications.
As the UK's national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey holds an unparalleled position in British geospatial markets with statutory responsibilities that ensure long-term organizational stability. The company's Southampton headquarters serves as a hub for geospatial innovation in Europe, with strong connections to local universities and technology clusters. OS's work on quantum PNT technologies positions the UK as a global leader in next-generation positioning systems.
Ordnance Survey combines the stability and mission-driven culture of a public sector organization with the innovation focus and agility of a technology company. The emphasis on hybrid working, professional development, and work-life balance reflects a modern, progressive approach to talent management. The organization's commitment to cutting-edge research and development creates an intellectually stimulating environment where technical professionals can work on problems with genuine national and international significance.
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