Test Lead Architect – Defence Systems

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Test Lead Architect - Defence Systems to join a high-performing engineering team responsible for defining and delivering test architecture across complex defence system programmes. This role focuses on ensuring testability is embedded into design from early concept stages, whilst owning system-level test strategy, diagnostics, and test equipment architecture across the full product lifecycle.

This role performs the duties of Test Lead Architect within a senior engineering function and reports into the Head of Test Architecture, working closely with Chief Design Engineers and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure effective, efficient and cost-balanced test solutions are delivered across development, production, and in-service environments.

• Lead test architecture strategy across complex electronic defence systems
• Ensure testability is embedded into product design from concept through to delivery
• Own specification, development, and delivery of test equipment solutions
• Lead and develop a team of Test Architects within the wider engineering organisation
• Define and manage system-level test requirements including coverage, diagnostics, BIT capability, and factory test functionality
• Analyse system behaviour to develop test coverage models and diagnostic approaches
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to balance cost, coverage, and performance trade-offs
• Provide functional leadership within a senior test and validation engineering community

• Experience in test architecture, electronics engineering, or complex system test development
• Background in digital and/or analogue electronics, embedded systems, or microprocessor-based technologies
• Experience working within complex engineering or high-integrity system environments
• Strong understanding of product testability, verification, or validation engineering
• Experience working with requirements management and structured engineering delivery processes

• Proven experience leading technical teams or providing senior technical leadership
• Ability to influence engineering design decisions across multiple stakeholders
• Experience in defining and delivering test strategies or test systems for complex products
• Strong problem-solving skills within electronics or systems engineering environments

This position offers a lucrative benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

• Company bonus scheme of up to approximately 21.25% (based on performance)
• Pension contribution of up to 14% total (employer and employee combined)
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement (typically 2–3 days on-site)
• Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave options
• Subsidised on-site catering facilities
• Free on-site parking
• Access to high-quality site amenities and engineering facilities

If this role looks like your next challenge, please contact Keelan ASAP or apply via this advert!

Please note that due to the nature of the client’s business, only candidates who currently hold full British Citizenship (without limitations) / Dual Nationality (inclusive of British Citizenship) will be considered.

We endeavour to reply to every candidate, every time but if you haven’t heard back within 10 days, please understand that you have unfortunately been unsuccessful for this position, or the position has been filled. Please call the office or send an email to discuss other potential positions.