Test and Validation Engineer

Textron, Inc.; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fridays off every other week

30 days annual leave

Competitive pay

Enhanced company pension

Life assurance (4x salary)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Textron University training platform

Eye care scheme

Perks at Work discounts (gym, shopping

Travel discounts

Onsite golf course

Winter flu vaccination voucher

Job summary

Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd in Ipswich is seeking a Test and Validation Engineer to validate autonomous mower systems in real-world environments. You will lead vehicle-level testing, validation and performance verification to ensure safety and reliability for field-ready deployments.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE/Robotics or similar and at least five years in systems testing/validation in automotive or robotics. A structured, self-motivated, detail-oriented engineer will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics/Mechatronics or similar.
• Minimum five years' experience in systems testing and validation (automotive, robotics) or similar roles.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute vehicle-level testing and validation (localisation, planning, perception, control).
• Support integration and commissioning of autonomy software on vehicles.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and validation criteria.
• Conduct field testing at test sites and golf courses.
• Analyse data to identify performance gaps and system issues.
• Support debugging and validation of fixes with engineering teams.
• Execute functional safety validation, including failure mode testing.
• Produce test reports and validation documentation.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Test methodologies

Hands-on systems testing

Data analysis

Hardware/software integration

Documentation

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Robotics or similar

Tools

CAN bus

ROS2

Job description

As a Test and Validation Engineer, you will validate autonomous mower systems in real-world environments. This role focuses on vehicle-level testing, system validation, and performance verification, ensuring systems are safe, reliable, and field-ready.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute vehicle-level testing and validation (localisation, planning, perception, control);
• Support integration and commissioning of autonomy software on vehicles;
• Develop test plans, procedures, and validation criteria;
• Conduct field testing at test sites and golf courses;
• Analyse data to identify performance gaps and system issues;
• Support debugging and validation of fixes with engineering teams;
• Execute functional safety validation, including failure mode testing;
• Produce test reports and validation documentation;
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics/Mechatronics or similar.
• A minimum of five years' experience in systems testing and validation (automotive, robotics), or similar roles.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of test methodologies;
• Hands-on experience with vehicle or robotic systems;
• Ability to analyse data and diagnose system issues;
• Experience in hardware/software integration environments;
• Strong documentation and reporting skills;
• Self-motivating and able to work with low levels of supervision to defined objectives;
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Desirable skills

• Autonomous systems / ROS2 experience;
• Sensor systems (LiDAR, GPS/RTK, cameras, radar);
• CAN bus and vehicle systems;
• Functional safety validation (ISO 13849 / ISO 12100);
• Data logging and telemetry tools.

Textron Specialized Vehicles are a global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, side‑by‑sides, all‑terrain vehicles, professional turf‑care equipment, and ground support equipment.

At Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, we design and manufacture professional turf‑care equipment under the brands of Ransomes and Jacobsen. Our mission is to be the premier supplier of high‑quality and environmentally conscious turf equipment, providing superior performance for our customers. From prestigious championship golf courses to the World Cup, for more than a century, the most important turf in the world has been manicured by our brand. We recognise that our success, and future success, is tied directly to our people. We are looking for a Test and Validation Engineer to join the Company in Ipswich, Suffolk.

What we Offer

• Work life balance promoted with every other Friday off;
• 30 days annual leave;
• Competitive rate of pay, reviewed annually;
• Enhanced Company pension;
• Life assurance of four times your annual salary;
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family;
• Access to Textron University's self‑service training platform;
• Eye care scheme;
• Discounts on gym memberships, shopping and travel through Perks at Work;
• Onsite golf course and football pitch;
• Winter flu vaccination voucher.