Principal Test Development Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Test Development Engineer to join a leading technology and engineering organisation specialising in secure communications, advanced electronics, and mission-critical systems.

This role offers the chance to work on innovative products that support highly secure environments, contributing to the development of advanced test solutions for complex electronic systems throughout the product lifecycle.

You will play a key role in designing, developing and supporting automated test equipment for both new and existing products.

The Role

As a Principal Test Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing support of test solutions used during product development, qualification, and production. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure products are designed with testability in mind and that robust, cost-effective test strategies are implemented.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide development estimates, costs, and lead times for test equipment during bid and proposal activities.
• Lead Design-for-Test reviews and contribute to product development activities to ensure effective test coverage.
• Define and develop efficient, reliable, and cost-effective production and qualification test solutions.
• Design test equipment and generate supporting manufacturing and technical documentation.
• Support the build and integration of test systems.
• Develop test software and firmware for automated test environments.
• Commission and validate test systems, including calibration procedures where required.
• Produce clear test specifications, operating instructions, and technical documentation.
• Work closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to define interface and communication requirements.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance legacy test equipment and associated infrastructure.
• Ensure adherence to information security and handling procedures.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong experience developing automated test solutions using National Instruments TestStand, CVI, and/or LabVIEW.
• Solid programming experience in C.
• Experience creating basic mechanical drawings to support test equipment design.
• Knowledge of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and cable assemblies.
• Ability to create clear and detailed test procedures and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Visio.
• Experience testing FPGA-based products.
• Experience developing test solutions for RF products.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience testing communication interfaces including Ethernet, I2C, SPI, RS232, and RS485.

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance up to Developed Vetting (DV) level.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Test Development Engineer looking to take a lead technical role in the development of sophisticated automated test solutions within a highly regulated engineering environment.