At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Test Engineers and manage test activities for aviation systems.
- Company: NATS is the UK's top air navigation service provider, ensuring safe skies for millions of flights.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including remote work and a fantastic total reward package.
- Why this job: Join us to advance aviation and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HNC level in Engineering or equivalent, with experience in Test Management for safety-critical systems.
- Other info: We value diverse perspectives and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
NATS is the UK's leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
We are looking for a Test Manager to join our Test and Environments team, providing leadership to a team of Test Engineers. You will manage test activities, providing direction for strategy, planning, improvement and conduct of test team activities. You will join our team at an exciting time as we deliver a wide variety of enhancements to our current operational systems as well as against our future roadmap.
Other Duties Include:
- Provide input to the generation of requirement specifications agreeing requirements are verifiable, complete and traceable.
- Define test requirements and design tests to satisfy requirements and safety.
- Write/maintain formal project documentation for changes.
- Investigate and diagnose problems and propose solutions.
- Test changes and integrate with parallel activities.
- Write test plans, test scripts, test reports and other test documentation.
- Perform testing at required levels for one or more systems.
- Proficient in selection and use of test tools, diagnose test failures and provide results and recommendations.
- Maintain test tools and test environments.
- Perform quality and validation audits.
- Act as a focal point to provide technical expertise for one or more systems.
- Liaise with stakeholders to provide support and improve understanding of requirements.
- Provide estimates to achieve a change and contribute to the planning activity.
- Review work items and help coordinate work produced by other team members.
- Contribute to department procedures where appropriate.
- Contribute to Work Package Reports and Metrics.
- Support identification of Exit and Entry Criteria.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- The job holder is expected to hold, as a minimum, qualification to HNC level in an Engineering related discipline (or an equivalent/higher qualification, preferably a Degree) and have relevant engineering experience.
- Good background knowledge of the following service threads, e.g. Radar Data Processing, Flight Data Processing, and Voice Communications.
- Significant experience of Test Management within real time safety critical systems.
- Experience of software lifecycles and other established software engineering practices.
- Good understanding of principles of testing and demonstrated skill in judging appropriate level of testing.
- Good understanding and experience of production of test documentation to a high standard within agreed timescales.
- Management and influencing skills to support internal and external negotiation.
We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely. We also welcome discussions on flexible and part-time working arrangements.
If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe - we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.
Contact Detail:
NATS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Manager Level 3
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and tools mentioned in the job description, such as Radar Data Processing and Flight Data Processing. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of NATS on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with real-time safety-critical systems in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed testing processes and led teams, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the leadership aspect of the Test Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of agile methodologies and how they apply to test management. Since NATS has adopted agile working, being able to articulate your experience in agile environments will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Manager Level 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Test Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what NATS is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in test management, particularly within real-time safety-critical systems. Provide specific examples of projects where you successfully led a team or improved testing processes.
Showcase Technical Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency with test tools and your understanding of software lifecycles. Include any relevant certifications or qualifications that demonstrate your technical expertise in engineering and testing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for aviation and commitment to safety. Use this opportunity to express why you want to work at NATS and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at NATS
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Test Manager does, especially in the context of real-time safety-critical systems. Familiarise yourself with NATS' operations and how your role will contribute to their mission of advancing aviation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in test management, particularly in environments similar to NATS. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led a team, managed test activities, and delivered results under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your understanding of testing principles and methodologies. Discuss your familiarity with test tools and documentation practices, as well as any relevant engineering qualifications that support your expertise.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since liaising with stakeholders is a key part of the role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and negotiated with different teams. Show that you can bridge the gap between technical requirements and business needs.