Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer in Dorchester

Do you have the test and trials expertise to lead the verification and qualification of advanced maritime systems for navies across the world? As a Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer, you will join the Engineering Integration team at TKMS ATLAS UK, supporting the delivery of innovative underwater and maritime systems. This role has become available as we continue to grow our engineering capability and expand support for major UK and export programmes. The team is responsible for leading system integration, verification, qualification and acceptance activities across a range of complex defence technologies, ensuring our products are safe, reliable and ready for operational use. This role plays a key part in delivering technical excellence and supporting the company’s continued investment in advanced maritime capability.

Working closely with Project T&A Managers, Engineering teams and customers, you will lead and deliver test activities across the full engineering lifecycle. You will play a key role in ensuring our products meet technical, environmental and customer requirements, while helping drive best practice and mentoring within the wider team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading test phases and acceptance events across allocated projects
• Developing test plans, procedures and schedules for verification and qualification activities
• Delivering environmental, electrical and mechanical testing activities
• Supporting system integration and Set To Work activities
• Analysing and evaluating test evidence and interpreting technical data
• Producing and reviewing technical reports and test documentation
• Ensuring all test activities comply with internal, customer and safety standards
• Supporting project bid and proposal activities where required
• Providing technical guidance and mentoring to engineers within the team
• Driving continuous improvement and future-focused testing best practice

We are looking for candidates who can bring a combination of technical expertise, leadership and a passion for engineering excellence. The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Qualifications in mechanical, electrical, marine, aerospace engineering or a scientific discipline (Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree level)
• Extensive experience delivering test and trials activities within a regulated engineering environment
• Experience of environmental testing and electrical and/or mechanical testing
• Knowledge of engineering lifecycles, verification and qualification processes
• Experience working with defence or safety‑critical systems, ideally within maritime, aerospace, rail or nuclear sectors
• The ability to write clear technical reports and test documentation independently
• Knowledge of military or defence standards such as Def Stan or Mil‑Spec
• Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution, or working towards membership

With a reputation for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy and export customers, TKMS ATLAS UK operates from our Headquarters on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Through science, engineering and R&D we convert data into information, knowledge and capabilities that challenge the status quo, and offer winning advantage at the frontline. Our people are at the heart of our success. An open and stimulating workspace empowers and encourages our people to be creative and act with integrity. Despite our continued growth, we pride ourselves on retaining a friendly and welcoming culture.

As well as boasting a substantial benefits package, we offer progression and personal development opportunities, competitive remuneration, flexible working and a generous pension scheme. The continuous investment in our unique in‑house test and integration facilities has supported our growth in supplying UK and global markets with submarine and ship systems. This includes sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine counter‑measures. Our Portland Harbour waterside facilities provide an excellent environment to test systems at sea.

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Career development and training
• Pension with up to 1.5x employer contributions
• 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service
• Dental cover and Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working patterns

At TKMS ATLAS UK, we support our staff to create work‑life balance and encourage applications from individuals who are looking for part‑time, condensed hours or full‑time opportunities. The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance).