Test Manager - Safety-Critical Engineering

Mane Contract Services; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mane Contract Services is seeking a dedicated test professional to own the test programme for complex safety-critical systems. You will write test plans and scripts and personally lead testing activities, remaining closely involved in technical work without building a wider team.

The role requires significant hands-on testing experience, strong traceability, and the ability to collaborate with engineers, suppliers and stakeholders throughout the system lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience managing tests for complex, safety-critical systems.
• Hands-on testing background with the ability to write test documentation and execute testing independently.
• Experience developing test strategies and managing testing through the full system lifecycle.
• Understanding of software lifecycles and established software engineering practices.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• HNC or higher qualification in engineering or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Defence or nuclear sector experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of radar data processing, flight data processing or voice communications would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver test strategies, plans, scripts and reports for complex, safety-critical systems.
• Take ownership of test activities throughout the system lifecycle, from requirements review through to verification, validation and acceptance.
• Ensure requirements are verifiable and supported by clear traceability and test evidence.
• Carry out system testing, investigate failures, diagnose issues and propose solutions.
• Define test environments, tools, entry and exit criteria, and acceptance requirements.
• Review supplier test documentation and assess the suitability of their test arrangements.
• Plan and estimate testing activities, monitor progress and manage priorities against project requirements.
• Work closely with engineering teams, suppliers and stakeholders to resolve issues and support system acceptance.
• Lead test reviews and identify improvements to testing processes and procedures.

Skills

Test management

Safety-critical testing

Hands-on testing

Requirements traceability

System lifecycle testing

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

HNC or higher in Engineering

Job description

This standalone role combines test strategy and assurance with practical test delivery. You will take ownership of the test programme, write test plans and scripts, and personally lead testing activities. There are currently no plans to build a wider test team, so this opportunity suits someone who enjoys remaining closely involved in the technical work.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver test strategies, plans, scripts and reports for complex, safety-critical systems.

• Take ownership of test activities throughout the system lifecycle, from requirements review through to verification, validation and acceptance.

• Ensure requirements are verifiable and supported by clear traceability and test evidence.

• Carry out system testing, investigate failures, diagnose issues and recommend solutions.

• Define test environments, tools, entry and exit criteria, and acceptance requirements.

• Review supplier test documentation and assess the suitability of their test arrangements.

• Plan and estimate testing activities, monitor progress and manage priorities against project requirements.

• Work closely with engineering teams, suppliers and stakeholders to resolve issues and support system acceptance.

• Lead test reviews and identify improvements to testing processes and procedures.

Skills and experience

• Significant experience in test management and assurance for complex, real-time, safety-critical systems.

• A strong hands-on testing background, with the ability and willingness to write test documentation and execute testing independently.

• Experience developing test strategies and managing testing through the full system lifecycle.

• Understanding of software lifecycles and established software engineering practices.

• Strong problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• HNC or higher qualification in an engineering discipline, or an equivalent qualification, alongside relevant engineering experience.

• Defence or nuclear sector experience is preferred.

• Knowledge of radar data processing, flight data processing or voice communications would be advantageous.

Candidates based further afield will be considered if they have the right experience and are happy to stay away for work in Aberdeen.

Security requirements

Applicants must be eligible to obtain full Security Clearance, have lived in the UK for a minimum of five years before applying and be legally entitled to work in the UK.