At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape production testing for cutting-edge weapon systems and support test engineering.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with employee-led networks and fantastic site facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Qualifications: HNC or equivalent in relevant subject with experience in electronics manufacture and test.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
This role provides a unique chance to shape how MBDA undertakes production testing.
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen only. 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...
The opportunity:
This opportunity is for a Principal Test Engineer to join the Manufacturing organisation supporting test system introduction and test and diagnostics of electrical/electronic weapon systems and sub-assemblies during the development / early production phase. This role is part of the Manufacturing UK Test Engineering function and is deployed to the Stevenage-based Manufacturing Equipment team, responsible for development testing and ensuring production readiness of new products and their test solutions.
Providing Test Engineering support during Design / Development phases from initial concept through to Production Readiness Review and release to Operations. Supporting Test Facility introduction and ensure that appropriate configuration control of equipment and facilities is in place prior to use, including generating supporting test specifications and operator instructions. Supporting testing of electrical/electronic weapon systems, sub-assemblies and circuit cards, with diagnosis of development test failures down to circuit card and potentially component level, including identification of proposed remedial and corrective actions. Working closely with Operations, design teams and other stakeholders to overcome any technical challenges. Providing technical support and advice to the Test Engineering Team Lead and guiding and mentoring less experienced test engineers within the team.
You will be working with a small team of dedicated engineers in a fast-paced but friendly and inclusive manufacturing environment. The team has a great mix of personnel ranging from apprentices and graduate engineers through to experienced technical practitioners, all striving to deliver technical excellence across a number of different products in development and production.
What we're looking for from you:
- Minimum HNC level of qualification or equivalent (ideally HND/degree) in a relevant subject, plus significant experience in digital, analogue and RF electronics manufacture and test.
- A good understanding of electrical/electronic and RF measurement and test principles and test equipment, as well as systems-level functional testing.
- Experience of the product development lifecycle and supporting processes, in an electronics manufacturing environment.
- Significant experience of using both manual and automated test equipment, preferably in a defence organisation or similar manufacturing environment.
- The ability to plan and organise own work in order to ensure multiple tasks can be prioritised and delivered against Project objectives, whilst being available to support others.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, including working within a team, generation of test specifications, operator instructions and technical reports based on higher-level requirements.
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 Manufacturing Test Engineer in Stevenage employer: Mbda Uk
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a company bonus, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in Stevenage, the company fosters collaboration among a diverse team of engineers, providing opportunities for mentorship and development in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MBDA on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with digital, analogue, and RF electronics confidently. We want to see your passion for the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MBDA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience with digital, analogue, and RF electronics, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in test engineering and how you can contribute to our team at MBDA.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since good verbal and written communication is key, make sure your application materials are clear and concise. We want to see how you can generate test specifications and technical reports effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our MBDA Careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mbda Uk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of digital, analogue, and RF electronics. Be ready to discuss your experience with test equipment and the product development lifecycle. This role is all about technical excellence, so showing that you understand the ins and outs of the field will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. Think about specific instances where you diagnosed test failures or implemented corrective actions. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and work collaboratively with teams, which is key for this position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to generate test specifications or operator instructions during the interview, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so highlight your experience in team settings. Share stories about mentoring less experienced engineers or collaborating with design teams. Showing that you can thrive in a friendly and inclusive environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
