Principal Test Development Engineer

MBDA S.A.S.; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer to join their Test Equipment Design Team. The role involves defining test approaches, leading design processes, and contributing to test system hardware solutions. Suitable candidates will have experience in hardware design engineering and knowledge of test techniques. The position offers dynamic hybrid working arrangements and a competitive benefits package, including company bonuses and flexible working options.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contributions

Overtime opportunities

Flexi Leave

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting design, integration, and validation of test systems.
• Knowledge of test needs and techniques across the product lifecycle.
• Ability to manage packages of work is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and specify test approaches; identify potential improvements.
• Participate in the design process and support design reviews.
• Lead packages of work and assign tasks to senior engineers.

Skills

Hardware Design Engineering

Test system hardware solutions

Environmental and EMC testing

Document-writing skills

Job description

Overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Test Development Engineer to contribute to the design, integration and validation of test system hardware solutions, joining our highly skilled and dynamic Test Equipment Design Team. We can offer you a stimulating and rewarding role coupled with an exciting career path!

Responsibilities

• Define and specify test approaches; identify potential improvements to test/diagnostic processes.
• Participate in the design process at all stages, support design reviews and manufacturing queries; report to the Technical Lead or Equipment Project Manager.
• Lead packages of work, manage deliveries and assign tasks to senior design engineers.
• Work in an international environment and contribute to product delivery.

Additional Opportunities (depending on experience)

• Technical Leadership – Take ownership of and lead the development of test equipment technical design solutions. Lead packages of work, manage resources and deliveries while guiding your own team.
• Test Equipment Architect – Work within the Test Equipment Architecture team, advise the customer, provide guidance on requirements, translate requirements into system design (solution architecture) and ensure the test system meets its system requirements. Act as an authority on test equipment aspects for design teams and the project.

Requirements

• Skilled Hardware Design Engineering experience supporting the design, integration and validation of test system hardware solutions.
• Knowledge of test needs and techniques across the product life‑cycle.
• Experience with design proving and performance testing during development.
• Experience with environmental and EMC testing during qualification.
• Strong document‑writing skills related to Test Equipment hardware design needs.
• Experience managing packages of work is highly desirable.

Company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations and partner with governments to defend our freedom.

We have employee‑led networks such as Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability, and more. We recognise that everyone is unique and encourage you to speak to us for advice, support or adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Location and Travel

Those based in Bolton or Bristol will be expected to travel to Stevenage on average once a month. Engineers based in Bolton or Bristol must have relevant transferable Military or Aerospace experience and the ability to work autonomously.

Working Arrangements

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Where project needs allow, we will accommodate a blended approach to on‑site and remote work, enabling collaboration when necessary and flexibility for home and family responsibilities.

Security Clearance

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. All successful candidates must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after the offer stage, managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Benefits and Compensation

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and varying year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, with enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatments
• Facilities: Sub‑sidised meals, free car parking and more at the site

Opportunity

The opportunity to shape the future of defence technology and grow your career in a dynamic environment.