Principal Test & Testability Engineer

Overview

In this role you will lead test and testability strategies for complex electronic and electro-mechanical systems in defence programmes. You will influence architecture, drive verification and diagnostics, and mentor engineers across the lifecycle from concept to production and in-service support. You’ll partner with senior stakeholders to embed testing from the outset and shape technical direction. This is a chance to become a technical authority on testability within a collaborative, high-calibre team.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Performance-related bonus
• Monthly car allowance
• Generous pension contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Hybrid working arrangement

Responsibilities

• Define and lead project-level test and testability strategies
• Establish robust test architectures for complex electronic systems
• Drive Design for Test (DfT) and testability best practices across the lifecycle
• Develop requirements and specifications for test equipment and diagnostics
• Analyze production and test data to identify trends and root causes
• Lead failure investigations and technical problem-solving activities
• Model system behaviour to assess test coverage and diagnostic effectiveness
• Support design reviews, technical assessments, and risk reduction activities
• Provide expert guidance on test, verification, diagnostics, and fault-finding methodologies
• Mentor engineers within multidisciplinary teams
• Support technology roadmaps, innovation initiatives, and capability development
• Contribute to bids, proposals, and new programme activities
• Maintain eligibility for UK security clearance as required

Key requirements

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Electronics, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
• Significant experience in electronic test, verification, validation, integration, or testability engineering
• Strong understanding of electronic circuit design, test methodologies, and failure analysis
• Experience developing or specifying automated test equipment and diagnostic solutions
• Proven background in requirements capture and technical specification development
• Knowledge of Design for Test (DfT) and testability principles
• Experience influencing technical decisions across complex projects
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to provide technical leadership and mentor teams

• Stakeholder management
• Technical leadership
• Mentoring and coaching
• Design for Test (DfT) and testability principles
• Automated test equipment development and specification
• Diagnostics development and fault-finding methodologies

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