Test Systems Technical Lead in Cheltenham

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/project area, ensuring that test systems meet Safety, Quality, customer, regulatory, and business requirements while supporting program Delivery and Cost objectives. Working as part of an Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT), you will lead the full test systems lifecycle from initial requirements capture 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

• Test Systems Lifecycle Ownership
  • Own the technical solution for test systems in your product/project area, ensuring alignment 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 using 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.
• Technical Leadership
  • Own the technical direction and accountability for test systems within your project to meet customer and derived requirements.
  • Monitor and steer the technical solution, ensuring rigor in design and technical reviews for your test solution.
  • Collaborate with the Designated Technical Authority (DTA) to ensure test system architectures and strategies are aligned to the overall product architecture.
  • Engage SMEs and Chief Engineer’s Office as needed 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 (Design to Cost) and DFM (Design for Manufacture) / DFT (Design for Test) principles for test solutions.
• Budget / Schedule / Scope Support
  • Support the Control Account Manager (CAM) and EPM in delivering the technical solution to the agreed scope, schedule, and budget for your project.
  • Protect against internal and external scope creep for the test system, identifying potential changes early and supporting mitigation.
  • Clearly communicate technical expectations to the engineering team, including definition of done, entry/exit criteria, and required deliverables.
  • Support work package planning (e.g., rolling wave planning, milestones, and estimates) and provide input to technical metrics to monitor progress and health of test activities.
  • Provide timely technical inputs to program reviews, Toll Gates, forecast updates, and risk & opportunity reviews as requested by EPM/PM.
• Cross-functional Collaboration and Customer Interface
  • Act as the engineering interface to Program Management on test systems topics, clearly articulating technical direction, risks, and decisions.
  • Liaise and interface with Systems, Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, Sustaining, Quality, Supply Chain, and Lab Operations to ensure integrated and robust test solutions.
  • Support Program Manager and EPM in customer and certification discussions related to test system capability, coverage, readiness, and evidence.
  • Ensure alignment and coordination with Manufacturing Program Manager (Launch Leader) and production test stakeholders regarding test strategy, manufacturability, and transition to production test environments.
• Governance, Documentation, and Compliance
  • Assure proper documentation of technical data generated for test systems in line with engineering policies, configuration control, and quality requirements.
  • Ensure test system requirements, design artefacts, verification evidence, and configuration baselines are defined, maintained, and traceable.
  • Participate as presenter or reviewer in technical, design, and program reviews (including CEO/DTA reviews where applicable), ensuring issues, risks, and lessons learned are captured and addressed.
  • Support change management activities for test systems, providing technical impact assessments for scope/schedule changes and feeding into program BCRs as required.
• People Leadership, Coaching and Behaviours
  • Provide technical guidance and leadership to engineers and technicians working on test systems, ensuring clarity of priorities, deliverables, and standards.
  • Coach, mentor, and train less experienced engineers, actively building technical capability and succession in the test systems community.
  • Model and reinforce GE Leadership Behaviours – Act with Humility, Lead with Transparency, Deliver with Focus – and the supporting core values of Leading, Influencing, and Collaborating.
  • Demonstrate and promote key team behaviours, including risk identification and mitigation, proactive information sharing, collaborative decision making, constructive feedback, problem solving, and driving Lean and cost out.
  • Provide timely communications on significant technical issues or developments and use the defined escalation paths (Tech Lead/CAM → EPM → Subsection Manager/PMO → PM → senior leadership) where resolution is blocked or risks escalated.

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, ideally in aviation or other high integrity/safety‑critical environments.
• Demonstrated experience in qualification and EMC test equipment design, with working knowledge/awareness of DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑461 or equivalent environmental and EMC standards.
• Proven technical leadership experience delivering solutions to agreed scope, schedule, cost, and quality, preferably as a Technical Lead, CAM, or equivalent within a project environment.
• Strong problem‑solving and solution‑building skills, with the ability to break down complex problems, identify options, and drive to resolution.
• Excellent communication skills, able to clearly convey complex technical topics to engineering teams, program management, customers, and leadership.
• Evidence of independent and sound technical judgement, including identifying when to escape 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 the required quality, operating effectively across TG3–TG9 project phases.
• Positive attitude, initiative, and proactiveness, with enthusiasm for continuous improvement, Lean thinking, and cost‑out in test solutions.
• Experience mentoring and developing engineers, including delegating technical work, providing feedback, and supporting career development.
• Experience with aircraft power distribution systems verification laboratories or similar system integration/verification environments.
• Ability to gather support from multiple stakeholders and influence cross‑functional teams, leveraging strong product and architecture understanding.
• Demonstrated collaboration across global, multi‑function teams, creating environments where customer‑centric creativity and outside‑in thinking are encouraged.

Leadership Behaviours & Expectations

The Test Systems Technical Lead is expected to:

• 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, while using defined escalation paths for unresolved issues.
• Set high standards for safety, quality, and compliance, and actively drive continuous improvement in test strategies, methods, and tools.
• Act with humility, lead with transparency, and deliver with focus, always with unyielding integrity.

Flexible Working

GE Aerospace supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

Total Reward

• Non‑contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

At GE Aerospace, we invent the future of flight, lift people up, and bring them home safely. We are a world‑leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. At GE Aerospace, respect for people is core to our culture and commitment to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model. We attract, develop, and retain industry‑leading talent from all backgrounds and cultivate communities where people are respected and empowered to reach their fullest potential. For the people of GE Aerospace, their work isn't just a job. It's their passion and purpose. We work and win as one team, accountable to each other and our customers, and we are always finding a better way to climb higher together. We were meant to fly.