Test Engineer

Airbus; Portsmouth (NH); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Pension scheme

Share options

Car leasing

Onsite parking

Tech scheme

Discount shopping

37 hour week

Hybrid working

TOIL

Wellbeing benefits

EAP

Parental leave pay

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited in the UK is seeking a Test Engineer to design, build and deploy automated test systems for space equipment. The role blends Python and Java with hardware test rigs and RF/digital testing, working with system engineers and designers.

You'll join a ~30-strong team, enjoy a 37-hour week, hybrid working, a profit share and a broad development plan, plus extensive e-learning and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience testing instruments, systems, software, and devices.
• Proficient in Python and Java for test automation.
• Experience automating tests for instruments or equipment in space/aerospace or similar.
• Strong focus on test system stability and robust error handling.
• Familiar with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
• Knowledge of software design patterns and system architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design, code, and maintain clean, scalable test automation software in Python and Java
• Develop automated routines for instrument control, DUT sequencing, data acquisition, and result file generation to support RF and Digital space equipment testing
• Author and maintain architectural blueprints, technical specs, API documentation, and system design guidelines to ensure team-wide alignment
• Establish best practices for code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD, and technical debt management
• As our roadmap expands, you will support the architectural evolution and development of future high-performance engineering test platforms

Skills

Python

Java

Test automation

Instrument control

NoSQL MongoDB

CI/CD

Tools

CI/CD tooling

Git

Job description

Job Description

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Infrequently

LOCATION

Portsmouth OR Stevenage

TYPE

Full time - STEM returners welcomed

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL.

There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)

• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

About the role

Love designing and developing test systems, focusing on their software to automate hardware, equipment and other software packages? Enjoy working alongside system engineers and designers? Mix of Python and Java skills? Passionate about writing clear, detailed technical documentation for technical and non-technical stakeholders? Then we have a role for you!

As a Test Engineer you will be joining a team of ~30 people, as a team you will be responsible for the design, build and deployment of complex test sites for Space Equipment within the Satellite industry. The kit you work on has been used in products like: HyPERION, Galileo , Telecommunications and Navigation satellites, projects like OneSat, EurostarNEO and National Programmes.

About you

• Experience of testing instruments, systems, software and devices - Understand phrases such as Device Under Test (DUT), Equipment Under Test (EUT), Unit Under Test (UUT)
• Software automation experience and polyglot approach, hands-on proficiency in Python alongside solid commercial experience in Java
• Proven experience in automating tests for instruments or equipment and control interfaces. Usually from a Space, Automotive, Scientific, Aerospace or similar background
• Strong focus on test system stability, instrument control accuracy, robust error handling, and delivering reliable automated test software.
• Proficient with NoSQL Databases, we use MongoDB, but Casandra, CouchBase, CouchDB or similar are welcomed.
• Understanding of software design patterns and system architectures. Automation of test hardware and software and basic PC & LAN configurations

How you will contribute to the team

• Design, code, and maintain clean, scalable test automation software in Python and Java
• Develop automated routines for instrument control, DUT sequencing, data acquisition, and result file generation to support RF and Digital space equipment testing.
• Author and maintain architectural blueprints, technical specs, API documentation, and system design guidelines to ensure team-wide alignment.
• Establish best practices for code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and technical debt management.
• As our roadmap expands, you will support the architectural evolution and development of future high-performance engineering test platforms

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

How we can support you

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type

Permanent

Experience Level

Professional

Job Family

Software Engineering

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.