Lead Test Systems Engineer

Description

The company runs a grade-based pay framework with broad bands. The salary shown is the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range set within that band, benchmarked against the external market. Pay above the standard range goes through governance controls to keep internal pay fair.

Are you driven to build the strongest test capability for military platforms in the UK and abroad? Do fighter jets such as the Typhoon and Saab Gripen, and other advanced avionics platforms, appeal to you?

The company is hiring an experienced Lead Systems Test Engineer for its Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) line of business. CS3 works across the UK and overseas on air, land and sea platforms, keeping critical systems ready and available for national security. It is the largest supplier of avionic support to the UK MoD and a trusted partner to customers worldwide.

Test capability is central to CS3's support solutions. In this role you will help define and deliver technical strategies so that the test solutions meet current and future needs.

Reporting to the Head of Test Engineering CS3, you will work closely with CS3 and the other lines of business to keep projects and business goals aligned. The role suits someone who has supported test equipment through the Through Life Support phase of the product lifecycle.

Security clearance: this role requires pre-employment screening to the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Further National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could mean meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). More information is available on the company's security and vetting careers page.

Responsibilities

• Apply your specialist knowledge to define and deliver technical solutions for customers' platforms in operation, in the UK and overseas.
• Oversee the test equipment customers depend on: identify opportunities and risk mitigations, and manage its transfer from production into support under engineering lifecycle processes.
• Support and contribute to the delivery of CS3 test engineering strategies and priorities.
• Create technical test solutions and roadmaps that add value for both the customer and CS3.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to build and deliver test solutions that reduce the effect on platform availability while keeping operation safe and compliant.
• Turn product roadmaps into investment and improvement programmes, working with CS3 Programme Leads, partner lines of business and Technology Leaders, so test equipment stays capable until end of service.
• Maintain good working relationships with stakeholders, including test delivery leads in each line of business and CS3 programme and engineering leads.
• Collate and produce performance metrics and reports that flag opportunities and risks for test equipment.
• Support CS3 bids to supply ML1, ML2 and ML3 test capability and support solutions to domestic and international customers.
• Represent CS3 test engineering at sector reviews and project performance reviews when required.

Requirements

• Experience delivering test solutions for highly complex, technically demanding products, ideally in defence electronics. Knowledge of RF, optical or laser test technology is desirable.
• Hands-on experience running a multi-contractor support environment in service.
• Proven technical expertise in test capability during the support phase of the product lifecycle.
• Experience across engineering lifecycles, especially test engineering, with planning and governance that deliver successful outcomes.
• The ability to see the bigger picture and solve complex problems.
• Enthusiasm, self-motivation and a strong ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• Awareness of statutory and regulatory compliance requirements in the defence avionics industry.
• The list is not exhaustive, and the company wants to hear from you even if you lack some of these. A good attitude and willingness to learn matter most.

Conditions

Hybrid working, with flexible hours. Part-time arrangements can be discussed for this role.

Permanent contract.

Based in Edinburgh, GB.

Maintenance Level 2 capability is often delivered at regional diagnostic and repair centres at military bases and customer sites, under Part 145 regulations.

Equal opportunities: the company is committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and will make recruitment adjustments on request.

Benefits

• Up to 12 additional flexi-days of leave each year.
• Company pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee-led networks, including Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity.
• Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Free access to over 4,000 online courses through Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral reward for recommending a friend who is hired.
• Up to £500 a year on flexible benefits, such as private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts and gym memberships.
• The company offers a wider range of benefits, listed on its website.