We are working with a global Software, Systems & Engineering company in the Defence Sector, supporting them with appointing a  Principal Test Development Engineer. You will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance and future development of automated test capability supporting The Company’s Target Systems’ world-leading unmanned aerial and surface target products. 
Day-to-day, you’ll lead the development and evolution of automated test systems, support production-critical test equipment, work closely with design and manufacturing teams, and provide technical leadership within a specialist engineering discipline. You’ll have the opportunity to shape future test strategy while remaining hands-on with complex electronic and software-based test solutions.
  
Salary: circa £60k+ benefits
Location: Ashford- 100% onsite
Duration: perm, full time (37 working hours, 13:30 finish on Fridays)
Requirements:  UK nationals living and working in the UK for the past 5 years, eligible for SC
  
Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining and enhancing existing 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 capability for products and subsystems
• Working with engineering teams to embed Design for Test (DFT) principles into new product development
• Mentoring and supporting engineers while providing technical leadership within the test function
• Developing documentation, processes and future test strategies to support production and new product introduction

  
Essential experience: 

• Strong hands-on experience with TestStand and automated functional test systems
• Experience developing solutions using LabVIEW
• Proven background in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) design, support or test development
• Electronics engineering knowledge including the ability to understand schematics
• Experience within a production or manufacturing environment
• Experience using instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators and data acquisition equipment

  
Essential qualifications for the Principal Test Development Engineer:

• Degree in Electronics Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Demonstrable experience working with TestStand-based test environments
• Certified Teststand Developer or Certified Teststand Architect status is desirable

  
We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. 
Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• Our Client is proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering Opportunities – helping charities and local community