Principal Test Development Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK is seeking a skilled Hardware Design Engineer to support design, integration, and validation of test system hardware. You'll define test approaches, manage work packages, and act as a Test Equipment Architect. This role offers hybrid working arrangements, a company bonus of up to £2,500, and enhanced parental leave. Ideal for candidates with military or aerospace experience looking to broaden their expertise.

Benefits

Up to £2,500 company bonus

Pension contribution of up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave of up to 26 weeks

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Skilled Hardware Design Engineer with proven experience in supporting test system hardware design.
• Experience in design proving and environmental testing during product development.
• Proficient in managing packages of work.

Responsibilities

• Define and specify test approaches; identify improvements to processes.
• Support design reviews and manage work packages.
• Act as a Test Equipment Architect and advise on requirements.

Skills

Hardware Design Engineering

Test System Integration

Document Writing

Design Proving

Job description

Your role will be to define and specify test approaches; identifying any potential improvements to test/diagnostic processes. You will be involved in the design process at all stages, supporting design reviews and manufacturing queries, reporting into the Technical Lead or Equipment Project Manager. You will have the opportunity to lead on packages of work, manage deliveries and assign work to senior design engineers. Working in an international environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your expertise and play an important role in the delivery of our products. Additional Opportunities depending on experience:

Key Responsibilities

• Define and specify test approaches; identify potential improvements to test/diagnostic processes.
• Support design reviews and manufacturing queries; report to the Technical Lead or Equipment Project Manager.
• Lead packages of work, manage deliveries and assign work to senior design engineers.
• Take ownership of and lead the development of test equipment technical design solutions. Manage resourcing needs, deliveries and lead your own team.
• Act as a Test Equipment Architect: advise the customer, provide guidance and feedback on Test Equipment requirements, translate requirements into a system design (solution architecture) and ensure the developed test system meets system requirements.
• Travel to Stevenage (average once a month) if based in Bolton or Bristol; work autonomously with transferable Military or Aerospace experience.
• Work in an international environment to broaden expertise and play an important role in product delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Skilled Hardware Design Engineer with proven experience to support the design, integration and validation of test system hardware solutions.
• Knowledge of test needs and techniques in support of product life cycle development.
• Experience of Design Proving and performance testing during development.
• Experience of Environmental and EMC testing during qualification.Strong document writing skills associated with Test Equipment hardware design needs.
• Experience managing packages of work is highly desirable.

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Working & Appraisal

• Dynamic (hybrid) working: Where project needs allow, we accommodate a blended approach to on‑site and remote working, such as being onsite when necessary to collaborate, then working from home and around family commitments.
• 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 will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after the offer stage.

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary 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 who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.