Test Lead

Stirling Dynamics; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Bristol is seeking a Test Lead to oversee the cockpit controls testing team. The successful candidate will manage the test function, ensuring timely outputs and maintaining equipment. Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar role is required, along with strong skills in understanding technical drawings. The role includes management responsibilities and requires a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual. Competitive salary range from £30,000 to £46,000 based on experience.

Benefits

Competitive Package

Social events throughout the year

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role in Aerospace or Precision Engineering.
• Strong ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Experienced in testing electromechanical devices with embedded software.

Responsibilities

• Manage the product test area and the performance of the test function.
• Ensure timely availability of skills, equipment, and procedures.
• Lead improvements in testing documentation and procedures.

Skills

Flexible, can-do approach

Professional attitude

Good communication skills

I.T. Literate

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Test Lead to join the Cockpit Controls team.

Stirling Dynamics design, develop and produce a wide range of high-end aircraft simulator ‘inceptors’ (pilot – machine interface devices). Stirling’s family of active controls are feature-rich, highly reconfigurable and suitable for single or dual (linked) aircraft cockpit configurations. Our range of active products includes; side sticks, throttles, collectives, cyclics, tillers and pedals. These controls are extremely compact, fully active and benefit from low-acquisition and through-life costs.

We have pioneered active control technology since the early 1990s and are proud to hold many industry and technology firsts, which includes supplying the controls for the first ever, fully-active fly-by-wire helicopter flight. Today, we supply the active stick and throttles for the new F‑35 pilot training simulators and continue to break new ground in cockpit control technology. The ‘Cockpit Control’ sector of the business that delivers the inceptor products, has a requirement for a Test Lead within the Production Department. The products comprise of electrical, electronic and mechanical subassemblies and therefore the role would involve tasks such as :

• Goods-in testing / fault finding of PCBs
• Development, First Article and Acceptance testing of the company products (equipment and system level)
• Interpreting and accurately recording test results
• Support the delivery and management of products through test (throughput / capacity planning)
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, electrical schematics and instructions
• Act as a stakeholder in the definition of requirements for PCBs, products and any associated test equipment / facilities
• Manage the test equipment asset inventory including; tracking, maintenance and purchasing of new equipment
• Writing test procedures for build-to-print and development products
• From a test perspective, reviewing conceptual designs and providing feedback
• Undertaking failure analysis investigations and producing non-conformance reports
• Line management of test personnel Health & safety responsibility for test team

Responsibilities

Responsible for the product test area within the business. Accountable for the performance of the test function and its ability to achieve outputs to the required time, cost and quality.

• Manage own work and that of the team to achieve project time, cost and quality objectives
• Line management of test team members
• Ensure that the necessary skills, equipment, tools and processes / procedures are in place in a timely manner to support the test requirements and ensure a safe (for both personnel and product) working environment
• Lead the implementation and ongoing improvement of documentation relating to testing (e.g. test procedures, test reports, first article inspections etc)
• Ensure that test equipment, including rigs, are fit for purpose and appropriately maintained – including calibration were applicable
• Management of test equipment / assets

Skills

• Flexible, can-do approach
• Professional attitude
• Self-motivated to see tasks through to successful completion
• Takes pride in their work
• Good communication skills (written and oral)
• I.T. Literate
• Organised, thorough with good attention to detail – particularly with test documentation
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
• A methodical and pragmatic approach to engineering problem solving
• Ability to work to tight deadlines

Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of working within a similar role i.e. High precision, high value electro‑mechanical within the Aerospace or Precision Engineering Sectors
• Strong ability to read, understand and follow technical drawings both mechanical and electrical
• Experienced in the testing of electromechanical devices with imbedded software
• Experienced in fault finding and root cause analysis (component level through to system level)

Benefits

Competitive Package (Grade 3 - 4, £30,000 - £46,000 dependent on experience)

We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.