Electrical Test Engineer

ELECTRICAL TEST ENGINEER (EXPERIENCED LEVEL)

Job Title: Electrical Test Engineer - Experienced

Location: Dorset

Department: Electrical Engineering/Test & Validation

Reporting To: Lead Electrical Test Engineer/Head of Engineering

1. Job Purpose

The Electrical Test Engineer (Experienced Level) is responsible for planning, executing, and analysing electrical and electronic test activities to validate the performance, safety, and compliance of aerospace and defence systems. The role provides strong technical capability in electrical testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and test procedure development. The post holder will support the full test life cycle-from requirements definition and test planning through to execution, reporting, and certification-ensuring that electrical systems meet design intent, regulatory standards, and customer expectations.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Test Planning & Preparation

• Develop detailed electrical test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria based on system requirements.
• Define test setups, instrumentation requirements, and data acquisition configurations.
• Support the design and commissioning of electrical test rigs, harnesses, and interface equipment.
• Ensure all test documentation complies with internal standards and applicable regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safe execution of all electrical test activities.

2.2 Test Execution & Data Acquisition

• Perform electrical tests including continuity, insulation resistance, power quality, load testing, functional testing, and environmental electrical testing.
• Install and configure electrical instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analysers, and signal generators.
• Operate data acquisition systems and test control equipment to capture accurate and reliable data.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues, instrumentation faults, and test anomalies during execution.
• Ensure accurate recording of test conditions, observations, and deviations.

2.3 Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse electrical test data to verify compliance with design requirements and standards.
• Produce detailed test reports including plots, measurements, and engineering conclusions.
• Identify electrical failures, root causes, and corrective actions where required.
• Provide clear technical feedback to design, systems, and manufacturing teams.
• Support certification and compliance activities with robust electrical test evidence.

2.4 Engineering Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure test coverage aligns with design intent.
• Support prototype builds, harness manufacture, and integration activities with test-based insights.
• Assist in resolving electrical design issues through targeted test investigations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews and provide electrical test expertise.

2.5 Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure all electrical test activities comply with UK Health & Safety legislation including HASAWA 1974.
• Promote safe working practices in laboratories, workshops, and test facilities.
• Embed quality and traceability into all test documentation and processes.
• Support audits, compliance checks, and continuous improvement initiatives.

3. Knowledge, Skills & Experience

3.1 Essential

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience conducting electrical testing in aerospace, defence, automotive, or similar high-integrity environments.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, wiring practices, power distribution, and electronic components.
• Proficiency with electrical instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical skills with experience processing and interpreting electrical test data.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across engineering teams.
• Working knowledge of quality management and configuration control processes.

3.2 Desirable

• Experience with environmental electrical testing (eg, DO-160, MIL-STD-461/810).
• Familiarity with aerospace or defence electrical standards and certification processes.
• Experience designing or commissioning electrical test rigs and harnesses.
• Knowledge of EMC considerations, grounding, shielding, and electrical safety.
• Experience with PLM or document control systems (eg, Windchill, Teamcenter, Vault).

4. Security Clearance

This role is subject to UK Security Clearance requirements (BPSS, SC, or higher). The post holder must be eligible and able to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance.