Head of Hardware Test & Integration

Gold Group; Rugeley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gold Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Head of Hardware Test & Integration in Rugeley to shape and lead the UK-wide test and integration capability, defining strategy across programmes and commissioning a new flagship facility.

The role offers senior technical leadership with the opportunity to build a high-performing team, introduce best-practice processes and develop scalable, future-proof test capabilities supporting complex, safety-critical systems, with occasional travel

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in Test & Integration, V&V or related engineering domain.
• Proven ability to define and implement test strategies for complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of system-level integration, verification and validation.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the Test & Integration strategy across UK programmes.
• Lead setup, commissioning and ongoing operation of a new Test & Integration facility.
• Develop long-term equipment, infrastructure and capability strategy.
• Lead, develop and grow a multi-disciplinary Test & Integration team.
• Provide technical authority for system integration, verification, validation and testing.
• Establish governance, tools and reporting across programmes.
• Ensure test activities meet schedule, cost, quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Programme Management, Operations, Quality and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement and a culture of accountability.
• Support customer acceptance and technical reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

People management

Communication

Education

Chartered Engineer or equivalent

Tools

Test equipment management

Job description

Job Title: Head of Hardware Test & Integration Location: Rugeley Salary: £Competitive

I am seeking an experienced Head of Hardware Test & Integration to shape and lead my clients UK-wide test and integration capability.

This is a senior technical leadership role with responsibility for defining the Test & Integration strategy across multiple programmes and products, as well as establishing and commissioning a new flagship test facility.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a high-performing team, introduce best-practice processes and develop a scalable, future-proof test capability supporting complex, safety-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the Test & Integration strategy across UK programmes.
• Lead the setup, commissioning and ongoing operation of a new Test & Integration facility.
• Develop the long-term equipment, infrastructure and capability strategy.
• Lead, develop and grow a multi-disciplinary Test & Integration team.
• Provide technical authority for system integration, verification, validation and testing.
• Establish consistent processes, tools, governance and reporting across programmes.
• Ensure test activities are delivered to agreed schedule, cost, quality and compliance requirements.
• Work closely with Engineering, Programme Management, Operations, Quality and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement, technical excellence and a strong culture of accountability.
• Support customer acceptance, demonstrations and technical reviews.

Essential Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience within Test & Integration, Systems Integration, V&V or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience developing and implementing test strategies across complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of system-level integration, verification and validation.
• Experience establishing or managing complex test facilities and equipment.
• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within a complex engineering, regulated or technology-driven environment.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer or equivalent.
• Defence, aerospace or maritime experience.
• Experience with safety-critical or mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of the UK MOD regulatory environment.
• Experience establishing new engineering facilities or centres of excellence.
• Experience with customer acceptance and qualification activities.

Location & Working

Occasional travel to other UK sites may be required.

Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy