Principal Test Development Engineer

Our client, a leading organisation in the defence and security sector, is seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer to join its specialist engineering team in Ashford. The role supports the development and manufacture of advanced unmanned aerial and surface target systems used for weapons testing, evaluation and operator training internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintaining and enhancing NI-based Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems
• Leading the design, development and verification of automated test solutions using TestStand, LabVIEW and FlexStand
• Designing test fixtures and commissioning new test capabilities for products and subsystems
• Working with engineering teams to incorporate Design for Test (DFT) principles into new product development
• Supporting production-critical test equipment and resolving technical issues
• Developing documentation, processes and future test strategies for production and new product introduction
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring and support to engineers within the test function

Job Requirements:

• Strong hands-on experience with TestStand and automated functional test systems
• Experience developing automated test solutions using LabVIEW
• Background in Automated Test Equipment design, support or test development
• Good electronics engineering knowledge, including the ability to interpret schematics
• Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with test instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators and data acquisition equipment
• Degree in Electronics Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Certified TestStand Developer or Certified TestStand Architect status would be advantageous

Additional Information:

• Permanent position based in Ashford
• 37-hour working week with flexible working hours
• Minimum average site attendance of five days per week
• Early finish at 13:30 on Fridays
• Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Test Development Engineer to provide technical leadership while remaining hands-on with complex electronic and software-based test solutions within a highly specialised defence environment. Apply now to take the next step in this permanent engineering role.