Principal Test Engineer

Leonardo; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo is seeking an ICT Test Engineer to expand its Test & Release capability, focusing on multi-tiered programs and systems integration projects. The role involves strategic thinking, hands-on testing, and building new methodologies in a dynamic environment within aerospace. With awards for flexible working, the company offers a robust benefits package including a well-recognized pension scheme and comprehensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Award-winning pension scheme

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours with hybrid options

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Private healthcare and dental schemes

Free access to Coursera online courses

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in test management and automation.
• Good understanding of testing methodologies in Waterfall and Agile.
• Current DV clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver successful projects through a strategic testing focus.
• Assist in building new testing processes and documentation.
• Coach and mentor stakeholders on testing practices.

Skills

Test automation

Test architecture

Test strategy

System testing

Strategic leadership

Technical leadership

Education

Experience in a test manager role

Job description

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Due to sustained growth, the Intelligence Solutions business within Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking to expand our Test & Release capability for the assurance of multiple projects. We are therefore looking to recruit an ICT Test Engineer who can settle into the systems and customer environment (UK MOD) and apply their test and release skills to systems integration projects which we are about to commence.

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies. To support you in this role, we offer flexible benefits, having won the Best Flexible Working Policy Award, Best Flexible Benefits Strategy, and Best Flexible Benefits Plan in 2023.

The role will focus on a multi-tiered program, seeking a proactive Test Engineer with demonstrable experience (preferably with a background in system engineering), responsible for delivering successful projects and programs through a testing focus for the end client. The role requires strategic thinking and hands-on testing when needed.

This is a newly established role that involves building new ways of working within both a well-established ICT engineering team and a new development team employing different delivery methodologies, making it an ideal time to influence testing and transition processes for system and service delivery.

You will identify areas that do not meet quality standards and policies, provide options for corrective actions, assist testers with troubleshooting errors, and streamline testing procedures.

Assist in or lead the creation of documentation such as instruction guides, procedure guides, specification reports, operation manuals, technical reports, and maintenance documents based on your in-depth understanding of the system gained through comprehensive testing.

• Ensure all change projects and programs develop appropriate test and transition management plans in collaboration with business units, delivery managers, and stakeholders to address impacts for all change initiatives before release.
• Coach and mentor stakeholders involved or connected to testing and transition practices, ensuring business readiness for change and identifying risks and issues.
• Work with teams to agree on testing approaches, tooling, and issue mitigation strategies within various testing events.
• Provide assurance, coaching, and mentoring to develop a competent workforce capable of good testing and transition practices.
• Engage in end-to-end program activities from requirements through hands-on testing.

The ideal candidate must have experience in a test manager role, with extensive knowledge of test automation, test architecture, and test strategy, responsible for overall testing strategy and transformation. A good understanding of test methodologies and experience in test delivery planning are essential.

• The candidate must be a sole UK national with current DV clearance.
• Experience in performing system test/engineering roles
• Extensive experience with Test Automation
• Experience in Program Testing Management
• Strategic and technical leadership in testing delivery
• Ability to define effective test strategies
• Knowledge of testing within Waterfall and Agile methodologies

A background in the defence industry is desirable.

Security Clearance

Current DV clearance is required.

Life at Leonardo

Leonardo offers a funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours focused on employee and customer needs. A career with Leonardo provides numerous opportunities and accessibility.

• Pension: Award-winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. Part-time opportunities available—please inquire.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships, Cycle to Work scheme
• Company-funded benefits: Private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Training: Free access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive: Rewards for successful employee referrals
• Bonus: Scheme available for employees at management level and below