Principal Test Development Engineer
Principal Test Development Engineer

Principal Test Development Engineer

Dunfermline Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of advanced automated test systems for cutting-edge electronic products.
  • Company: Join a world-class design and manufacturing team in Edinburgh.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and excellent employee benefits.
  • Why this job: Shape future test strategies and mentor junior engineers while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in test development or hardware validation.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression into leadership roles in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Due to the nature of the projects, applicants must be UK nationals and eligible for UK security clearance.

We’re recruiting for a Principal Test Development Engineer to join a world-class design and manufacturing team working on cutting-edge electronic products across defence, medical, industrial, and communications sectors. This is a senior-level opportunity offering clear progression into technical leadership and people management, with the scope to help shape future test strategy and mentor junior engineers.

Key responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, development, and verification of robust automated test systems using tools such as LabVIEW, TestStand, and PXI.
  • Define test strategies and architectures for complex electronic assemblies and subsystems.
  • Drive continuous improvement and process optimisation using Lean Sigma and structured design methodologies.
  • Collaborate across multi-disciplinary engineering teams to deliver world-class products to global markets.
  • Support and mentor other engineers, with opportunities to step into team leadership or management.
Requirements:
  • Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, or a related Engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years’ experience in test development, ATE design, or hardware validation.
  • Strong knowledge of LabVIEW, TestStand, and automated functional test systems.
  • Confident working with instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DMMs, and signal generators.
  • Proven background in continuous improvement or Lean Sigma.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ambition to progress into lead or management roles while remaining technically hands-on.
Benefits:

You’ll receive a competitive salary with genuine progression opportunities, flexible hybrid working, and an attractive relocation package for those moving to Edinburgh. The company also offers excellent employee benefits, including private medical insurance, company sick pay, life assurance, income protection, and access to wellbeing programmes such as occupational health, vision care, and discounted gym membership.

Principal Test Development Engineer employer: Octagon Group

Join a leading design and manufacturing team in Edinburgh as a Principal Test Development Engineer, where you'll be at the forefront of innovation in electronic products across various sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have clear pathways to technical leadership and management roles, alongside a supportive work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits that prioritise your wellbeing and professional development.
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Contact Detail:

Octagon Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with tools like LabVIEW and TestStand. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in test development – it’ll make you stand out!

✨Tailor Your Approach

Don’t just send out generic applications. Research the companies you're interested in and tailor your conversations to show how your skills align with their needs. This shows genuine interest and can really set you apart from the crowd.

✨Apply Through Our Website

We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you! Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Test Development Engineer role. It’s the easiest way to get noticed by our hiring team!

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

Test Development
Automated Test Systems
LabVIEW
TestStand
PXI
Test Strategies
Lean Sigma
Continuous Improvement
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Mentoring
Collaboration
Instrumentation Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Test Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience with automated test systems and any relevant tools like LabVIEW and TestStand. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your ambition for leadership and mentoring, as that’s key for us.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve a process or lead a successful project? We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to join our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon Group

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the tools mentioned in the job description, like LabVIEW and TestStand. Brush up on your knowledge of automated test systems and be ready to discuss your past experiences with them.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in test development and how you overcame them, especially using Lean Sigma methodologies.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential

Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, be ready to talk about any leadership experiences you’ve had. Share how you’ve supported others in their development and how you envision stepping into a leadership role.

✨Engage with the Team Spirit

This position requires collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with different engineering disciplines in the past and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Principal Test Development Engineer
Octagon Group
Location: Dunfermline

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