Test Engineering Manager

Test Engineering Manager

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ontic

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of Test Engineers to ensure robust testing in aerospace manufacturing.
  • Company: Join Ontic, a community of innovators in aerospace and defence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days leave, paid volunteering, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a recognised workplace where employee satisfaction is a priority.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with ambitious growth plans.
  • Qualifications: Level 5 in Electronics Engineering and proven leadership experience required.

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

Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineering parts for the global aerospace and defence industries, are now recruiting for a Test Engineering Manager to join our team in Bishops Cleeve. Ontic is more than just a business; we are a community of innovators who pride ourselves on fostering a culture where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and careers are built. We are committed to excellence, driving us to continuously improve and adapt, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of our industry.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will lead and develop a team of Test Engineers responsible for ensuring robust test capability across our production cells. Your focus will be on commissioning and maintaining test equipment, driving root cause analysis to component level, and supporting delivery and cost-of-poor-quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities Include

  • Leading and developing the Test Engineering team to achieve business objectives
  • Performance management, coaching and capability development
  • Test equipment set-up, validation and ongoing support within production
  • Root cause and corrective action management, including troubleshooting to component level (analogue, digital or RF)
  • Training and supporting Production Test Technicians
  • Supporting new product introduction and the transition of newly acquired/licensed products
  • Proactive engagement with internal stakeholders, customers and suppliers

This is a hands-on leadership role in a regulated manufacturing environment, where technical depth and people leadership are equally important.

About You

You will be an experienced Engineering Manager (or a senior Test Engineer ready for your next step) with a strong background in high-mix, complex electronics manufacturing.

We’re Looking For

  • Level 5 qualification (or higher) in Electronics Engineering
  • Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment
  • Strong component-level fault-finding capability across analogue, digital or RF electronics
  • Experience within a regulated industry (aerospace desirable, but not essential)
  • Willingness to travel internationally when required to support product transitions
  • A structured, data-driven approach to root cause analysis and continuous improvement
  • The ability to balance hands-on technical support with strategic team leadership
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging across engineering, operations, suppliers and customers
  • A proactive mindset with the resilience to operate effectively in a fast-paced production environment

Benefits

At Ontic, we care about your financial, physical, and mental wellness so we offer a range of benefits to support this. We care about what matters to you and have a valued culture of recognition and empowerment, accompanied by benefits that support work/life balance.

Our Benefits Package Highlights Include

  • Up to 29 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • 10 hours paid volunteering time
  • Annual goal share bonus scheme for all employees
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Discounts and offers from a range of retailers

Best place to work

We are more than the sum of our parts. And we have been recognised internally and externally for being so:

  • We were ranked #9 in Best Companies' Q3 leaderboard for Best Manufacturing Company based on our employee feedback
  • 72.5% of employees who took part in our 2023 employee satisfaction survey said they are proud to work at Ontic

We are a fast-paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you will enjoy a career with us.

Test Engineering Manager employer: Ontic

Ontic is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant community of Bishop's Cleeve, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth. As an HR Operations Graduate, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee wellness through generous leave policies and unique volunteering opportunities, ensuring you thrive both professionally and personally. Join us to kickstart your career in a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning.

Ontic

Contact Details:

Ontic Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Test Engineering Manager

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence industries. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Ontic. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in test engineering or improved processes. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!

Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework on Ontic and the role of Test Engineering Manager. Be ready to discuss how your background in electronics and manufacturing aligns with their needs. Think about questions you might have for them too; it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team at Ontic.

We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineering Manager

Leadership Skills
Test Equipment Set-Up
Root Cause Analysis
Component-Level Fault-Finding
Analogue Electronics
Digital Electronics
RF Electronics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Test Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical skills in electronics manufacturing, as these are key for us at Ontic.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or tackled complex engineering challenges in the past.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your structured, data-driven approach to root cause analysis. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to troubleshoot and improve processes.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ontic

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around analogue, digital, and RF electronics. Be prepared to discuss your experience with test equipment and root cause analysis, as these are key areas for the Test Engineering Manager role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement within your previous roles.

Engage with Stakeholders

Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers in the past, and how you can bring that proactive mindset to Ontic.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving

Expect to tackle some hypothetical scenarios or case studies during the interview. Practice articulating your structured, data-driven approach to troubleshooting and corrective actions, as this will showcase your analytical skills and hands-on experience.