Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
This is a senior opportunity to lead test and acceptance activities across cutting-edge maritime and defence systems, supporting the delivery of innovative, high-performance products used in mission-critical environments.
You'll play a key role in driving technical excellence, mentoring engineers, and shaping best practices across test and integration functions. The Role
You will lead and deliver test activities across a range of complex engineering projects, ensuring systems are verified, validated, and ready for customer deployment., * Leading test phases and major test events across projects
- Developing test plans, procedures, and schedules
- Managing test activities in line with budgets and timelines
- Performing and overseeing system testing, qualification, and verification
- Supporting system integration and "Set to Work" activities
- Analysing test data and producing detailed technical reports
- Reviewing and approving test documentation
- Ensuring compliance with internal processes and external standards (including safety)
- Supporting bid and project activities alongside the T&A Manager
- Driving continuous improvement and best practices across test teams
- Providing mentoring and technical leadership within the team
Requirements
- Extensive experience in test, trials, and acceptance activities
- Strong understanding of engineering lifecycles and processes
- Experience in environmental testing
- Knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical testing
- Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and reports
- Experience working with military or maritime systems
- Familiarity with engineering standards (e.g. Def Stan, Mil-Spec) Desirable: o Experience in sectors such as defence, marine, aerospace, rail, or nuclear o Experience with requirements tools such as DOORS or DOORS NG o Specialist knowledge in an engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, acoustic, sonar, etc.) Qualifications
Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree in Engineering or a relevant scientific discipline
Membership of a professional body (e.g. IET or IMechE), or working towards
Requirements @ Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) @ Able to commute to Dorset Innovation Park
Benefits & conditions
Flexible working options (including part-time or condensed hours)
- Supportive environment promoting work-life balance
- Opportunity to work on advanced defence technologies
- Ongoing training and professional development This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Test & Acceptance Engineer looking to step into a leadership role within a highly specialised and impactful engineering environment.