At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative test architectures for aerospace and defence systems.
- Company: Leading aerospace and defence company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Performance-related bonus, hybrid working, 28 days leave, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for technical leadership and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Influence next-gen test solutions in a critical UK defence portfolio.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems architecture and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 46350 - 56650 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you design and deliver robust, scalable test architectures for complex aerospace and defence systems.
You will align test strategies with MOD standards and customer needs, shaping test systems across the product lifecycle.
You’ll lead cross‑functional collaboration between design, integration and customers, driving innovation in automation, digital twins and model‑based approaches.
This is a chance to influence next‑generation test solutions within a critical UK defence portfolio.
- Pay / Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- 28 days annual leave (+bank holidays) with buy‑up option
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards
- Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support
- Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures
- Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments
- Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts
- Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices
- Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches
- Key requirements
- Proven experience as a Systems Architect / Systems Engineer
- Strong background in test system design and architecture
- Experience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into test
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customers
- Demonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle – from concept through to in-service support
- Stakeholder management
- Communication skills
- Technical leadership
- Test system design and architecture
- Integration of hardware, software, and COTS into test
- Automation (desirable)
Test Design Engineer in Cheadle employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Design Engineer in Cheadle
✨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.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Thales Group for a Test Design Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Design Engineer in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Thales Group, 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 Thales Group, 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 Thales Group
✨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 Thales Group.
✨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 Thales Group. 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 Thales Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
