Senior Development Test Systems Engineer

Thales Group; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Thales Belfast is seeking a Senior Development Test Systems Engineer to lead the design and delivery of advanced test systems for defence solutions. The role is hybrid, based in Belfast, with international collaboration and a focus on innovative test capabilities.

You will develop automated LabVIEW-based test software, work with multidisciplinary teams, and engage with UK and international customers to deliver real-world, high-quality testing solutions throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Essential: Acquired a minimum HND qualification in Engineering, Computing, or related technical discipline.
• Proven experience in design, development, implementation, and support of production test equipment.
• Demonstrated expertise in automated test system development using LabVIEW.
• Knowledge of test technologies, validation, instrumentation integration including XJTAG boundary scan, PXI/GPIB/USB control.
• Experience with RS232, RS422, MIL-STD-1553, CANBus, Ethernet protocols.
• Proven stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation in test engineering by developing future-focused test capabilities.
• Lead end-to-end test solution development with engineers to define test strategies and plans.
• Design and deliver advanced test systems, including production test apps and manufacturing docs.
• Develop automated test software using LabVIEW and related technologies to control instrumentation.
• Provide technical leadership and engage with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors while ensuring quality and continuous improvement.

Skills

LabVIEW

Test automation

Boundary Scan (XJTAG)

PXI/GPIB/USB test equipment

Electrical/electronic test experience

Stakeholder management

Education

HND qualification in Engineering/Computing

Tools

LabVIEW

TestStand

XJTAG

PXI/GPIB/USB hardware

Job description

## Senior Development Test Systems EngineerApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Belfasttime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdaytime left to apply: End Date: August 21, 2026 (13 days left to apply)job requisition id: R0336340Location: Belfast, United KingdomThales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.**Senior Development Test Systems Engineer** **Location:** based in Belfast, minimum 3 days/ week in office (hybrid), with <10% domestic travel **Other:** permanent, full-time Take the lead in developing cutting-edge test systems, collaborate with global experts, and drive real-world impact - all within a supportive, innovation-driven environment - join us at Thales Belfast today! **What the role has to offer*** **Lead the hands-on design and development of innovative hardware and automated software test systems** that enable high-volume, cost-effective missile production* **Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams** and engage directly with international customers and partners to deliver impactful, real-world solutions* **Thrive in a fast-paced, supportive environment** that promotes continuous improvement, quality, operational excellence, and a culture of open communication and teamwork**Our Opportunity**Join Thales Belfast, a leader in designing and manufacturing cutting-edge, lightweight missile systems for defence solutions. We specialize in integrating advanced weapon systems into tactical platforms, including land vehicles, helicopters, and UAVs. We're excited to offer a dynamic opportunity within our Test Systems Engineering team, where you’ll play a key role in crafting innovative technical solutions that drive both customer success and business growth. As a vital member of multi-discipline programmes, guided by expert leadership, you’ll contribute to the design, development, and support of state-of-the-art test systems throughout the product lifecycle. Reporting to the Test Systems Discipline Manager, you will collaborate closely with a passionate team of Test Systems Engineers and cross-disciplinary experts in Systems, Software, and Electronic Design. Work alongside influential managers and engage directly with UK and international customers, end-users, and partners to deliver impactful, real-world results. If you’re ready to take your engineering career to the next level within a supportive and forward-thinking environment, Thales Belfast is the place to be. **Building a Future, we can all trust.** Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space. **What we offer you** We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:* Performance-related bonus* Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00* 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)* 24 hours volunteering paid for* Private healthcare* Pension scheme* Life cover* 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app* Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers* Gym membership discounts**Main Responsibilities*** **Drive Innovation in Test Engineering** by developing future-focused test capabilities that enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and support the delivery of world-class products* **Lead End-to-End Test Solution Development**, partnering with Engineering Designers to define test strategies, create comprehensive test plans, and ensure full compliance with product test specifications* **Design and Deliver Advanced Test Systems**, including production test applications, Factory Test Equipment, hardware schematics, cable assemblies, and detailed manufacturing documentation* **Develop Automated Test Software** using LabVIEW and associated technologies to control instrumentation, communication interfaces, embedded programming, and automated production processes* **Champion Quality and Operational Excellence** by ensuring all test solutions adhere to company standards, quality processes, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving innovation across the business* **Provide Technical Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement**, supporting production teams with fault diagnosis and repair activities, while representing the business confidently with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors**A****bout You** At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.**Ideal Experience & Skills****Essential:*** **Acquired a minimum HND qualification** in Engineering, Computing, or a related technical discipline* **Proven experience in the design, development, implementation, and support of production test equipment**, delivering effective test solutions within an engineering or manufacturing environment* **Demonstrated expertise in automated test system development**, including the design and development of complex, reliable, and user-friendly LabVIEW-based test solutions* **Demonstrated technical knowledge of test technologies, validation, and instrumentation integration**, including Boundary Scan (XJTAG), design verification, and the automation and control of PXI, GPIB, and USB-based test equipment* **Demonstrated capability in communications and system integration**, with knowledge of protocols such as RS232, RS422, MIL-STD-1553, CANBus, and Ethernet* **Proven problem-solving capability and demonstrated stakeholder management skills**, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, influence key stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives**Desirable:*** **Proven expertise in the design, development, and implementation of automated production test equipment**, combining advanced LabVIEW capability (CLD certified), TestStand, custom test sequencers, and digital/analogue electronics to deliver robust, efficient, and reliable test solutions* **Demonstrated technical excellence across the full product lifecycle**, including fault diagnosis to component level, electro-mechanical and electro-optical system design, and the application of PLM, requirements management, SVN, and Git tools to maintain traceability, quality, and controlled development* **Proven leadership, adaptability, and continuous improvement mindset**, with experience leading small engineering teams, thriving in fast-paced environments, and driving innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies and engineering best practicesReady to elevate your engineering career and shape the future of defence technology? Apply now to join our expert Test Systems Engineering team at Thales Belfast!**Security Clearance Requirement** Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.