Test Systems Technical Lead

As a Test Systems Technical Lead, you will be responsible for the technical direction, definition, and delivery of test system solutions across power distribution and controls programs. You will own the technical solution for your product/functional area, ensuring that test systems meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements while supporting program cost, schedule, and quality objectives. Working as part of an Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT), you will lead the full test systems lifecycle from initial requirements through design, implementation, verification, release, and in-service support. You will demonstrate strong technical leadership, collaborate closely with Program and Engineering Project Managers, and provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to engineers in the test systems team.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Own technical solution for test systems in your product/functional area, aligning to customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Lead the full Test Systems life cycle from concept and requirements definition through design, implementation, verification, formal release, and in-service support.
• Execute requirements, design, implementation, and verification with sound engineering principles, adhering to business standards, procedures, and program requirements.
• Ensure test equipment solutions are suitable for qualification, EMC, system verification, and production support, in line with DO-160, MIL-STD-461 and similar standards.
• Own the technical direction and accountability for test systems within your scope to meet customer and derived requirements.
• Monitor and steer the technical solution, ensuring rigor in design and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with the Designated Technical Authority (DTA) and SMEs to resolve complex technical issues, de-risk solutions, and ensure compliance with internal design guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to project plans, company and industry standards, and appropriate application of DTC, DFM, and DFT principles.
• Support the Control Account Manager (CAM) and EPM in delivering the technical solution to the agreed scope, schedule, and budget.
• Protect against internal and external scope creep for test systems, identify potential changes early, and support mitigation.
• Communicate technical expectations, entry/exit criteria, and required deliverables.
• Support work package planning and provide input to technical metrics, program reviews, gates, forecasts, and risk & opportunity reviews.
• Act as the engineering interface to Program Management on test systems topics, articulating technical direction, risks, and decisions.
• Liaise with Systems, Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, Sustaining, Quality, Supply Chain, and Lab Operations to ensure integrated test solutions.
• Support customer and certification discussions related to test system capability, coverage, readiness, and evidence.
• Ensure proper documentation of technical data generated for test systems, including requirements, design artefacts, verification evidence, and configuration baselines.
• Participate as presenter or reviewer in technical, design, and program reviews, ensuring issues, risks, and lessons learned are captured.
• Support change management activities for test systems, providing technical impact assessments and feeding into program BCRs.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to engineers and technicians, ensuring clarity of priorities, deliverables, and standards.
• Coach, mentor, and train less experienced engineers, building technical capability and succession.
• Model and reinforce GE Leadership Behaviours – Act with Humility, Lead with Transparency, Deliver with Focus – and core values of Leading, Influencing, and Collaborating.
• Promote risk identification, proactive information sharing, collaborative decision making, constructive feedback, problem solving, and cost reduction.
• Provide timely communications on significant technical issues or developments.

Leadership Behaviours & Expectations

• Lead complex, cross‑functional technical workstreams within programs, often spanning multiple products or platforms.
• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for test systems in their area, following defined escalation paths for unresolved issues.
• Set high standards for safety, quality, and compliance, actively driving continuous improvement in test strategies, methods, and tools.
• Act with humility, lead with transparency, and deliver with focus, maintaining unyielding integrity.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Software Engineering, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Significant experience in test system design, development, and integration, including hardware/software integration for complex systems, preferably in aviation or other high‑integrity/safety‑critical environments.
• Experience in qualification and EMC test equipment design, with knowledge of DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑461 or equivalent standards.
• Proven technical leadership experience delivering solutions to agreed scope, schedule, cost, and quality, preferably as a Technical Lead, CAM, or equivalent.
• Strong problem‑solving and solution‑building skills, able to break down complex problems, identify options, and drive to resolution.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex technical topics to teams, management, customers, and leadership.
• Evidence of independent and sound technical judgement, including when to elevate and when to seek DTA/CEO guidance.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrable success in achieving and exceeding customer and program milestones for test system or product deliveries.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions on time, within budget, and to required quality, across project phases.
• Positive attitude, initiative, proactiveness, and enthusiasm for continuous improvement, Lean thinking, and cost‑out in test solutions.
• Experience in mentoring and developing engineers, including delegating technical work, providing feedback, and supporting career development.
• Experience with aircraft power distribution systems verification laboratories or similar integration/verification environments.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and collaborate across global, multi‑function teams.

Benefits

• FlexChoice flexible benefits plan providing freedom, choice, and flexibility.
• Non‑contributory Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Group income protection.
• Private medical cover.
• Holiday: 26 days (equivalent hourly), with flexible option to buy or sell.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Under UK immigration rules, candidates without the right to work may not be appointed if a suitable candidate without sponsorship is available. Relocation Assistance Provided: No.