Senior Test Systems Architect – Aerospace & Defence

thales; Cheadle; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discounts

Annual bonus

Stocks and shares

Volunteer day

Job summary

Thales in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect to define and deliver robust test architectures for aerospace and defence systems. You will ensure alignment with MOD standards, customer requirements, and programme needs while shaping the technical direction of test systems across the lifecycle.

You will lead test strategies, translate requirements into actionable architectures, and collaborate across design, integration and programme teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Test Systems Architect / Test Systems Engineer.
• Strong background in test system design and architecture.
• Experience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into test.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customers.
• Demonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle - from concept through to in-service support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards.
• Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support.
• Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures.
• Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments.
• Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts.
• Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices.
• Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches.

Skills

Test Systems Architecture

Test System Design

Stakeholder Management

Customer Interface

COTS Integration

Job description

Thales in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect to define and deliver robust test architectures for aerospace and defence systems. You will ensure alignment with MOD standards, customer requirements, and programme needs while shaping the technical direction of test systems across the lifecycle.

You will lead test strategies, translate requirements into actionable architectures, and collaborate across design, integration and programme teams to deliver