Missile Test and Testability Expert in Stevenage

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Test & Testability Architect to join a specialist engineering function responsible for defining and owning the test architecture for complex defence systems across the full lifecycle, from early feasibility and requirements definition through to verification, production test, and in-service support. This role acts as a technical authority for testability and diagnostic strategy and reports into the Test & Testability leadership team and the Project Chief Design Engineer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and define the end-to-end test and testability architecture for complex missile and electronic weapon systems across the full lifecycle.
• Develop and manage Built-In Test (BIT) architecture, including fault detection, isolation (FDI) strategies and diagnostic coverage models.
• Translate system and sub-system requirements into structured, traceable and verifiable test requirements.
• Define and optimise test strategies to ensure efficient, effective and robust verification across development and production phases.
• Lead modelling and assessment of test coverage and diagnostic effectiveness to ensure system-level fault visibility and resolution capability.
• Analyse production and in-service test data to identify trends, systemic issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Influence system design to improve inherent testability, supportability and diagnostic capability from early concept stages.
• Participate in technical reviews and Red Team activities focused on critical design, verification and manufacturing issues.
• Support bid and concept activities, providing expert input into testability and verification approach.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentoring to engineers within the Test & Testability function.
• Drive continuous improvement in test architecture, BIT design and diagnostic engineering practices across programmes.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Extensive experience in electronic test engineering across full lifecycle development in complex safety-critical systems.
• Proven experience in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) design, development and deployment.
• Strong background in validation, verification and failure analysis of complex electronic or embedded systems.
• Experience working in highly regulated industries such as defence, aerospace or equivalent high-integrity sectors.
• Strong understanding of testability engineering, diagnostic design and production test environments.
• Experience in environmental and system-level testing including ESS, thermal and vibration environments.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, TestStand, PXI or equivalent test development platforms.
• Strong analytical capability in fault diagnosis, root cause analysis and test data interpretation.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams including systems, electronics, software and mechanical disciplines.
• Experience influencing technical direction at project or engineering authority level.

The ideal candidate must have:

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Electronics, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience in electronic test across multiple stages of complex system lifecycle.
• Proven experience in test equipment design and ownership of test architecture or test strategy.
• Demonstrable experience in failure analysis and diagnostic engineering techniques.
• Experience working on safety-critical electronic or embedded systems.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and technical communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence engineering decisions and technical direction.
• Experience in requirements capture, decomposition and translation into test solutions.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (British Citizen or Dual UK National with British Citizenship).

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme up to 27% of base salary.
• Car allowance.
• Pension contributions up to 14% (combined employer and employee).
• Private medical insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption, neonatal and fertility support.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Onsite facilities including subsidised meals and free parking.

Please note that due to the nature of the client's business, only candidates who currently hold full British Citizenship without limitations or Dual UK Nationality including British Citizenship will be considered.

We endeavour to reply to every candidate every time, but if you have not heard back within 10 days, please assume you have been unsuccessful for this position or the position has been filled. Please contact the office to discuss other opportunities.