Aerospace Defence Test Systems Architect

Thales Group; South Cheriton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect with a focus on Test Solutions to define and deliver robust, scalable test architectures for aerospace and defence systems.

You will align test strategies with customer requirements (including MOD standards), work across design, integration and customers, and provide technical leadership while supporting bid activity and long-term product sustainment across the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Test Systems Architect / Test Systems Engineer.
• Strong background in test system design and architecture.
• Experience integrating hardware, software and COTS into test.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication with customers.
• Experience across full system lifecycle from concept to in-service support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards.
• Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support.
• Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures.
• Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments.
• Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts.
• Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices.
• Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches.

Skills

Test Systems Architect

Test Systems Engineer

Test system design

Architecture design

Hardware integration

Software integration

COTS integration

Stakeholder management

Lifecycle support

Job description

Thales Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect with a focus on Test Solutions to define and deliver robust, scalable test architectures for aerospace and defence systems.

You will align test strategies with customer requirements (including MOD standards), work across design, integration and customers, and provide technical leadership while supporting bid activity and long-term product sustainment across the lifecycle.