Lead Test Engineer

Job Title: Lead Test Engineer (Electronic Systems)
Location: Eastbourne (On-Site Working)
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 (+ Bonus & Benefits)
Please Note: Only candidates with permanent, unrestricted UK working rights will be considered, as visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
Overview:
On behalf of a key client in Eastbourne, Zenovo are looking for a Test Engineering Manager to lead the development and delivery of robust, scalable and repeatable test solutions for complex electronic systems.
This role will oversee test strategy and development from initial concept through to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring high standards of quality, reliability and performance.
A successful candidate will bring strong technical leadership, combining strategic planning with hands-on engineering expertise in Testing Electronic Products and Systems, as well as people management.
This individual will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to optimise test coverage, diagnostic capability, cost efficiency and production readiness. The role will also drive continuous improvement, platform reuse and effective knowledge transfer to operational teams, while minimising product failure risks.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of test solutions for complex electronic systems, covering test architecture, hardware, software, fixtures and diagnostics.
• Define test strategies and apply Design for Test (DFT) principles to maximise test coverage, reliability and manufacturability.
• Develop standardised, scalable test platforms and methodologies, promoting automation, repeatability and reuse.
• Manage test development from concept through to production release, ensuring performance, quality and production readiness.
• Lead complex fault investigations and drive improvements in test efficiency, reliability and cost.
• Lead, coach and develop the Test Engineering team, building technical expertise and supporting individual growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate test requirements and ensure a smooth handover into production.
• Ensure test equipment and processes meet relevant safety, quality and compliance standards.
• Maintain engineering governance through design reviews, validation, documentation and production readiness assessments.

Required Skills & Experience:
Essential:

• Minimum 5 years test engineering experience within electronics or systems development.
• Strong experience in PCBA functional testing and/or in-circuit testing, ideally using Keysight or similar platforms.
• Proven leadership experience, including team development, performance management and recruitment.
• Experience defining test strategies, architectures and standards across multiple products.
• Strong knowledge of Design for Test (DFT), diagnostics and test coverage optimisation.
• Experience managing test development through NPI and into volume production.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience leading complex technical investigations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Understanding of safety, quality and compliance standards for test equipment.
• Competent in ERP/MRP systems, preferably SAP, and Microsoft Office.

Desirable:

• Degree in Electronics, Test, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience applying Lean and continuous improvement tools.
• Knowledge of SMT, through-hole assembly and common electronic failure modes.
• Experience working with global engineering teams.
• Experience developing modular and reusable test platforms.