At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and enhancement of automated test stations for cutting-edge electro-optical systems.
- Company: Join Safran Defense & Space, a leader in aerospace innovation and national defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive community, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on individual and collective success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and space while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT OUR MISSION: Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel. We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.
If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE: The Principal Systems Test Engineer in the Fixturing Department is responsible for leading the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of automated and manual test stations and fixtures critical to system validation. This role involves defining test strategies, managing direct reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the quality and reliability of complex electro-optical systems. The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to delivering efficient and accurate testing solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads the development, evaluates and improves manufacturing methods utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, quality standards, Lean Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies.
- Develop test stations and test software with a focus on automation and the reduction of subjective analysis of the test results.
- Develops and implements manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, routers and bills of materials.
- Assists production personnel with daily build and troubleshooting.
- Works with design engineering to recommend changes for manufacturability and develop test requirements.
- Supports training of assemblers and technicians to perform manufacturing and testing of complex electro-optical assemblies.
- Design of electro-optical test fixtures/interfaces to be utilized in manufacturing production and test, including environmental testing.
- Work closely with engineering, programs and customers to ensure that test plans and procedures cover all requirements and functions of the product.
- Supports all non-conformance activities, from supplying the proper data to Engineers, drafting and implementing rework procedures to direct disposition of parts when appropriate.
- Assists Quality Engineering and Design Engineering with product design, product qualifications and environmental testing requirements.
- Oversee the installation, maintenance, and training initiatives for all test-related equipment.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
3 or 4 direct reports within the Test Engineering team.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in a development or manufacturing facility.
- Proven experience in the design and maintenance of automated and manual test fixtures and stations within a manufacturing or systems engineering environment.
- Expertise in test automation frameworks and scripting languages (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, Java, Selenium).
- Proficiency with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner) and defect management tools (e.g., JIRA, Azure DevOps).
- Strong understanding of systems engineering, fixturing design, and large-scale systems.
- Familiarity with optical test techniques for imaging and laser systems.
- Knowledge and Experience of testing to meet MIL-STD-810G requirements.
- US Citizenship.
IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:
- Master’s degree in CS or EE preferred.
- Experience working in an ITAR environment and a DoD cleared facility is a plus.
- Experience with design using Altium schematic capture software or equivalent.
- Experience with ISO 9000 and 9015 is a plus.
- Knowledge and experience of working in or maintaining a clean room is a plus.
- Experience with SAP or other ERP systems is a plus.
TRAVEL: No associated travel, but a willingness if the situation arises is helpful.
EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).
Principal Systems Test Engineer in Bedford employer: Safran DSI
At Safran Defense & Space, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-energy work environment where individual and team achievements are celebrated. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on STEM education initiatives and community engagement, making it a fulfilling place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace sector. Join us in Arlington, VA, and be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting national defense and space exploration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Test Engineer in Bedford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Test Engineer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran DSI, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran DSI, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran DSI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran DSI.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran DSI. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran DSI love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
