Principal Test Development Engineer

Principal Test Development Engineer

Full-Time 46200 - 63800 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mbda Uk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and validation of innovative test systems in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
  • Other info: Dynamic hybrid working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in hardware design and test system integration is essential.

The predicted salary is between 46200 - 63800 £ per year.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for experienced Principal Test Development Engineer to contribute to the design, integration and validation of test system hardware solutions, joining our highly skilled and dynamic Test Equipment Design Team. We can offer you a stimulating and rewarding role coupled with an exciting career path!

Salary: Circa £55,000 depending on experience

Location: Stevenage, Bristol or Bolton (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role). Please note: Those who wish to be based in Bolton or Bristol will be expected to travel to Stevenage on average once a month. With the majority of the Test Equipment team being based in Stevenage, Bolton and Bristol based engineers will need to have relevant transferable Military or Aerospace experience and the ability to work autonomously.

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Where project needs allow, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working such as being onsite when necessary to work with people and collaborate, then working from home and around family commitments to work where you are most efficient.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

  • Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
  • Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
  • Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
  • Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
  • Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
  • Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
  • Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.

Your role will be to define and specify test approaches; identifying any potential improvements to test/diagnostic processes. You will be involved in the design process at all stages, supporting design reviews and manufacturing queries, reporting into the Technical Lead or Equipment Project Manager.

You will have the opportunity to lead on packages of work, manage deliveries and assign work to senior design engineers. Working in an international environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your expertise and play an important role in the delivery of our products.

Additional Opportunities depending on experience:

  • Technical Leadership - You will take ownership for and lead the development of test equipment technical design solutions. You will be responsible for leading a package or packages of work, manage resourcing needs and deliveries while leading your own team.
  • Test Equipment Architect - Working within the established Test Equipment Architecture team, you'll be advising the customer; providing guidance and feedback on the Test Equipment requirements; disseminating the requirements into a system design (providing the solution architecture), and working to ensure the developed test system meets its system requirements. You should be able to act as an authority on test equipment aspects to the design teams and the project.

What we're looking for from you:

  • Skilled Hardware Design Engineers with proven experience to support the design, integration and validation of test system hardware solutions.
  • Knowledge of test needs and techniques in support of product life cycle development.
  • Experience of Design Proving and performance testing during development.
  • Experience of Environmental and EMC testing during qualification.
  • Strong document writing skills associated with Test Equipment hardware design needs.
  • Experience of managing packages of work is highly desirable.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Principal Test Development Engineer employer: Mbda Uk

MBDA UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stevenage where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides extensive training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Additionally, employees enjoy competitive salaries, a generous benefits package including bonuses and pension contributions, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in systems architecture.

Mbda Uk

Contact Details:

Mbda Uk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Test Development Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MBDA on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of test system hardware solutions. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through, so practice articulating your experience clearly.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! If you've managed projects or led teams before, be ready to discuss those experiences. We love candidates who can take charge and drive results in a dynamic environment.

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 at MBDA.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Test Development Engineer

Test System Hardware Design
Integration and Validation
Test Approaches Specification
Design Reviews
Manufacturing Queries
Technical Leadership
Environmental Testing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Test Development Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in hardware design and testing, and don’t forget to mention any military or aerospace background if you have it!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our dynamic Test Equipment Design Team. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the job description.

Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong document writing skills and experience in managing packages of work. Be sure to include these in your application, as they’re key to the role and will help us understand your capabilities.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mbda Uk

Know Your Test Systems

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of test system hardware solutions. Be ready to discuss specific techniques and approaches you've used in the past, especially those relevant to military or aerospace projects. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this position involves leading packages of work, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects before. Highlight your experience in guiding others and making decisions that positively impacted project outcomes.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions related to design proving, performance testing, and environmental testing. Brush up on these topics and think of real-world examples where you've applied this knowledge. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.

Emphasise Flexibility and Collaboration

With the dynamic working environment they offer, it's important to demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated effectively with others, especially in hybrid settings, to show you're a good fit for their culture.