Test Lab Operations Lead

Evolito Limited; Bicester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Evolito Limited is seeking a Test Lab Operations Lead to head all R&D test activities for aerospace propulsion systems. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians across performance, environmental, EMC, and power quality labs, delivering verification evidence and certification artefacts.

Responsibilities include resource planning, risk assessments, test readiness reviews, and close collaboration with design, systems engineering, and certification teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience testing electric motors, inverters, or high‑voltage power electronics.
• Leadership experience managing technical teams in a laboratory or test environment.
• Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, control systems, and test automation.
• Experience with HV systems (up to 1500VDC) and safety procedures.
• FMEA/FMECA and root cause analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of RTCA DO‑160 aerospace standards.
• Experience with test facilities operations and H&S in hazardous environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Engineers and Technicians.
• Plan resource allocation, workload balancing, and career development.
• Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Support the verification strategy for electric motors, inverters, and powertrain systems.
• Coordinate test requirements with design, systems engineering, and certification teams.
• Oversee safe and compliant operation of test laboratories and equipment, including H&S controls.
• Lead SQCDP and 6S activities in the laboratory.
• Lead pre-test assessments and risk assessments.
• Participate in test readiness reviews alongside the Systems Engineering team.
• Ensure high‑quality data capture, post‑processing, and root‑cause investigations.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Team leadership

Data acquisition

Test automation

HV safety procedures

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Test instrumentation

Job description

Evolito’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric propulsion in aerospace applications in support of a net-zero world. We will help to revolutionise personal mobility and transform our towns and cities with clean, noise-free air transportation. Evolito develops and manufactures class-leading, lightweight, high-power, and high-torque-density electric propulsion systems for a range of aerospace markets, including EVTOL, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and General Aviation. As well as ultra-high performance, low-weight electric motors and controllers, Evolito specialises in high integrity, bespoke battery systems for the aerospace and defence markets. The team is scaling rapidly and has ambitious growth plans over the next twelve to eighteen months. As part of our current high-growth phase, we are looking for a Test Lab Operations Lead to lead all product development and R&T test activities for aerospace electric propulsion systems, with a focus on high-performance electric motors, inverters, and power electronics. In addition, you will manage a multidisciplinary team of Engineers and Technicians across performance, environmental, EMC, and power quality laboratories.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Engineers and Technicians
• Plan resource allocation, workload balancing, and career development
• Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
• Support the verification strategy for electric motors, inverters, and powertrain systems
• Support verification plans and compliance matrices aligned with aerospace regulatory standards (e.g. RTCA DO‑160, ARP4754A, ARP4761)
• Coordinate test requirements with design, systems engineering, and certification teams
• Oversee the safe and compliant operation of Evolito’s test laboratories and equipment, including H&S controls, calibration, maintenance, and coordination with external test facilities
• This includes dynamometer performance testing, environmental qualification, EMC testing, and power quality assessment
• Liaise with external testing facilities where required
• Ensure compliance with safety and calibration requirements
• Lead SQCDP and 6S activities in the laboratory
• Lead pre-test assessments and risk assessments
• Participate in test readiness reviews alongside the Systems Engineering team
• Ensure high‑quality data capture, post‑processing, and root‑cause investigations
• Deliver verification evidence and certification artefacts
• Work closely with design engineering to provide feedback and validate requirements
• Engage with suppliers, external test houses, and regulatory bodies
• Present technical reports and risk assessments to leadership
• Maintain adherence to aerospace standards and quality systems (e.g. AS9100)
• Drive improvements in test methods, instrumentation, automation, and lab infrastructure
• Establish best practices for safety and documentation

Skills and experience required

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience testing electric motors, inverters, or high‑voltage power electronics
• Leadership experience managing technical teams in a laboratory or test environment
• Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, control systems, and test automation
• Experience with HV systems (up to 1500VDC) and safety procedures
• Familiarity with FMEA/FMECA and root cause analysis tools
• Strong understanding of aerospace qualification standards (e.g. RTCA DO‑160)
• Demonstratable knowledge of test facilities operations, including H&S within potentially hazardous test environments
• Demonstrated track record of engineering ability in an electrical or mechanical discipline
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex multi‑disciplinary test campaigns
• Experience of working within a Tier 1 environment is preferred
• Instinctive problem‑solving skills coupled with a sound analytical approach
• A 'self-starter' attitude with energy and enthusiasm, with the ability to thrive in a small business environment
• Ability to work under pressure while managing conflicting demands against tight deadlines
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams within the organisation
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• A flexible approach to work
• UK driving license and ability to travel

We’re driven by a shared passion for engineering excellence and sustainable mobility. Our unique technology enables us to fast-track the adoption of electric propulsion in aerospace. By accelerating the growth of electric propulsion, we will help revolutionise personal mobility and transform our towns and cities with clean, noise-free electric air transportation. As part of our growth, we are looking for passionate, talented people join the team and help transform the way we travel.