At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and execute ground trials for advanced missile systems in a dynamic team.
- Company: Leading UK defence organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible leave, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent with experience in environmental testing and EMC.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a supportive environment for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 57000 £ per year.
A leading UK defence organisation is bolstering its Ground Trials Engineer team to support critical sustainment programmes for advanced missile systems. This role offers hands-on ownership of environmental and EMC test campaigns, ensuring operational capability for front-line air defence assets in a collaborative, high-impact team environment.
The Role
As a Ground Trials Engineer, you’ll plan, document, and execute ground-based proving activities for missile systems, focusing on EMC and environmental domains. Collaborating with systems, design, and environmental engineering teams, you’ll deliver robust test programmes that underpin obsolescence management and in-service support for key defence programmes like the CAMM family.
What you will be doing
- Developing detailed test plans and programmes for environmental (vibration, thermal, shock) and EMC proving activities.
- Creating trials documentation, supporting test execution, and producing accurate reports for programme milestones.
- Liaising with cross-functional teams to align test scopes, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with defence standards.
- Contributing to obsolescence-driven sustainment work, including facility planning and progress reporting.
- Supporting wider ground trials activities under the Ground Trials Manager to meet tight programme deadlines.
What we are looking for
- Engineering background (degree or equivalent) with hands-on experience in environmental testing, EMC qualification, or systems proving in defence, aerospace, or high-reliability sectors.
- Strong documentation skills for test plans, procedures, and reports, plus clear communication for stakeholder updates.
- Proven ability to work in dynamic, multi-disciplinary project environments with a problem-solving mindset.
- Experience with test standards (e.g., DEF STAN, MIL-STD-461, DO-160) or similar qualification processes is highly desirable.
- Flexible team player comfortable with hybrid working and on-site spikes during test campaigns.
- Prior exposure to missile systems, air defence, or ground trials would be advantageous.
What’s on offer
- Competitive salary £45,000–£57,000 based on experience.
- Company bonus up to £2,500, pension up to 14% total contribution, and paid overtime opportunities.
- Flexi leave (up to 15 extra days), hybrid/dynamic working, and enhanced parental leave benefits.
- Excellent site facilities, healthcare cash plan, and career growth in a flagship missile programme.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British Citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship, eligible for BPSS and security vetting.
Ground Trial Engineer in Watford employer: Anson McCade
Contact Detail:
Anson McCade Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ground Trial Engineer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the defence sector, especially those who have worked as Ground Trials Engineers. They can provide insider info and might even refer you directly, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge related to EMC and environmental testing. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to missile systems. We want to see your hands-on experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of examples where you tackled challenges in dynamic environments. This is key for a role that requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, so let us know how you’ve made an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting projects in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Trial Engineer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in environmental testing and EMC qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the Ground Trials Engineer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Show Off Your Documentation Skills: Since strong documentation skills are key for this role, include examples of test plans, procedures, or reports you've created in the past. We love seeing clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that!
Highlight Team Collaboration: This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, so share any experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. We’re looking for team players who can navigate dynamic project environments, so let us know how you fit the bill!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anson McCade
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of environmental testing and EMC qualifications. Familiarise yourself with relevant standards like DEF STAN and MIL-STD-461, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Prepare Your Documentation
Since strong documentation skills are key for this position, bring examples of test plans, procedures, or reports you've created in the past. This not only demonstrates your ability but also gives you a chance to showcase your attention to detail and organisational skills during the interview.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves liaising with cross-functional teams, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in dynamic, multi-disciplinary environments before. Share specific examples of how you resolved issues or aligned test scopes with other teams to highlight your collaborative spirit.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially those related to missile systems or ground trials. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your problem-solving mindset and how you can contribute to the team’s success.