Tactical Communications Lab Test Engineer

Airbus Defence and Space; Getafe; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Hybrid work

Life insurance

Health insurance

Stock options

Retirement plan

On-site facilities

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space in Getafe (Madrid) is seeking a Lab Test Engineer to join the Flight & Integration Test Centre. You will define and execute rig test cases, work with specialized lab equipment, and support IV&V testing across major programs.

The role requires 2–6 years in system testing, strong English/Spanish, and hands-on experience with test datasets, cryptography loading, DOORS; you will collaborate across teams on high-visibility testing campaigns.

Qualifications

• Degree or Master’s in Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, Electronics, or Aeronautical Engineering.
• 2–6 years of experience in system testing, IV&V, or hands-on rig testing.
• Strong knowledge of tactical datalinks (Link 16/22, VMF, Mission Comms, SATCOM) and lab test equipment.
• English and Spanish proficiency at an advanced level.

Responsibilities

• Analyze technical documentation and test requirements to define Rig Test Cases, Procedures and Specifications for integration rigs.
• Generate test datasets, simulation requirements, test scripts, initialization files, and tactical scenarios before testing.
• Execute rig test procedures and manage pre-run activities (crypto/software loading) using lab equipment like MaTE, AIDASS, TIGER, MIGATO and bus analyzers.
• Assess system behavior post-test and prepare comprehensive reports; support root-cause investigations for problem reports.
• Manage lifecycle of equipment and issues using configuration tools (DOORS, Octane, FTNet).
• Specify and qualify ad-hoc test tools for decoding, recording, emulation and process automation.

Skills

COMMS Systems

Lab equipment

Test data creation

Traceability management

Problem solving

English & Spanish

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

DOORS

Octane

FTNet

MIL-STD-1553

Job description

Job Description

A tactical communications Lab Test Engineer position within Airbus Defence and Space, Getafe (Madrid).

Department Mission

The selected candidate will join the Flight & Integration Test Centre. Our department is in charge of Integration, Verification, and Validation (IV&V) testing across all major defense programs within the Spanish portfolio (Eurofighter, A400M, MRTT, C295, Eurodrone, SIRTAP, Helicopters, and FCAS). We are a multidisciplinary and dynamic team passionate about solving complex technical challenges, conducting hands-on tests from Virtual Environments and Laboratory Rigs up to supporting Ground & Flight testing, ensuring the maximum performance and clearance of critical Tactical, Mission, Safety, and Connectivity Communication Systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze technical documentation and test requirements to define and build coherent Rig Test Cases, Procedures, and Requirement Specifications for integration rigs.


• Generate required test datasets, simulation requirements, test scripts, initialization files, and tactical scenarios prior to test execution.


• Execute rig test procedures, managing pre-run activities (crypto/software loading) and run-time operation using specialized lab equipment (e.g., MaTE, AIDASS, TIGER, MIGATO) and bus analyzers.


• Assess system behavior post-test execution, preparing comprehensive test reports and supporting root-cause investigations for declared problem reports.


• Manage the lifecycle of equipment and system issues using dedicated configuration and tracking tools (e.g., DOORS, Octane, FTNet).


• Specify and qualify ad-hoc test tools for decoding, recording, translation, emulation, and process automation.

Skills

• Education: Degree or Master’s in Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, Electronics, or Aeronautical Engineering.


• Experience: Between 2 to 6 years of experience in system testing, IV&V activities, or hands-on rig testing (demonstrable testing background is highly preferred over pure design).


• Technical Knowledge:
  
  
  
  • Deep understanding of COMMS Systems Under Test (Tactical Datalinks like Link 16/22, VMF, Mission Comms, SATCOM, Connectivity/ALIMS, JRE).
  
  
  • Hands-on command of lab test equipment (MIL-STD-1553 bus analyzers, sniffers, datalink simulators, Test Support Systems).
  
  
  • Requirement partitioning, test data creation, and traceability management.
  
  
  
  


• Soft Skills: Proactive problem solver with a \"can-do\" mindset, highly adaptable, rigorous, and capable of working autonomously under strict project milestones within multifunctional teams.


• Languages: Advanced level (both technical and general) in English and Spanish.

WHICH BENEFITS WILL YOU HAVE AS AN AIRBUS EMPLOYEE?

• Vacation days plus additional days-off along the year.


• Attractive salary and special bonus payments.


• Hybrid model of working when possible.


• Collective transport service subject to working calendar/home location.


• Benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan, or study grants.


• On-site facilities (among others): canteen, kindergarten, medical office.


• Possibility to collaborate in different social and corporate social responsibility initiatives.


• Excellent upskilling opportunities and great development prospects in a multicultural environment with more than 140 nationalities.


• Option to access special rates in products & benefits.

Company

Airbus Defence and Space SAU

Employment Type

Permanent

Experience Level

Professional

Job Family

Testing

Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.