Principal Development Engineer

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

What does the role look like?

We are seeking an experienced Principal Development Engineer to play a critical leadership role in delivering verification and qualification test evidence for advanced defence systems. This is a senior technical position where you will lead the planning and execution of development and qualification activities, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. Acting as the focal point for the wider Development team, you will provide technical direction, resolve complex challenges, mentor engineers, and drive delivery to demanding timescales.

You will combine deep technical expertise with strong organisational and communication skills to ensure high-quality deliverables, robust process compliance and successful programme outcomes.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Translate customer requirements into detailed test definitions and formal Qualification Test Procedures
• Lead the planning, setup and execution of mechanical, hydraulic, environmental and performance testing
• Define and commission test equipment and rigs to support qualification activities
• Manage on-site and off-site qualification testing, including coordination of external test facilities
• Interpret and analyse test data, lead failure investigations and provide technical recommendations
• Generate and approve development and qualification documentation and reports
• Perform functional and acceptance testing of development units
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to the Development team, supporting problem resolution and capability growth
• Ensure adherence to EH&S standards, process compliance and high housekeeping standards

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:

• Extensive experience in mechanical/hydraulic and environmental qualification testing (strength, fatigue, endurance, vibration, temperature, humidity, contaminants, fire resistance)
• Proven capability in managing qualification testing (on-site and off-site), including documentation, data analysis and failure investigation
• Strong technical judgement with the ability to lead problem resolution and deliver compliant solutions within defined timescales

Desirable skills:

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Experience with rig software (e.g. LabVIEW, DIAdem)
• Electrical testing knowledge (bonding, EMC)
• Test rig specification and commissioning experience
• Exposure to non-standard test methodologies and process improvement initiatives