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# Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Engineer / Test Design Engineer

- **Company:** Thales Group
- **Location:** Bristol, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Digital Twin
- **Published:** July 31, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/test-equipment-design-engineer/thales-group-job107773354

## About the Role

* Proven experience as a Test Systems Architect / Test Systems Engineer
 * Strong background in test system design and architecture
 * Experience of integrating hardware, software, and COTS solutions into test
 * Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface with customers
 * Demonstrable ability to work across the full system lifecycle - from concept through to in-service support

Desirable Skills

 * Experience with test automation
 * Knowledge of safety, security, and information assurance in defence systems

## Description

We are seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer/Architect with a focus on Test Solutions to join our engineering function. In this role, you will define and deliver innovative, robust, and scalable test architectures to support the development, verification, and validation of complex aerospace and defence systems.

As a key member of the engineering team, you will ensure that our test strategies align with customer requirements (including MOD standards), programme needs, and long-term product sustainment. You will shape the technical direction of test systems across the product lifecycle, working at the interface between design engineering, integration, and our customers., * Lead the design and architecture of test solutions for complex aerospace and defence systems, ensuring compliance with MOD and industry standards

 * Define test strategies, frameworks, and architectures to support product development, verification, qualification, and in-service support
 * Translate system and customer requirements into effective test system requirements and architectures
 * Ensure test solutions integrate seamlessly with hardware, software, and system environments
 * Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and programme managers to ensure traceability and compliance throughout the lifecycle
 * Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams
 * Contribute to bid and proposal activity, providing technical input to estimates, schedules, and solution concepts
 * Engage directly with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with defence standards, policies, and best practices
 * Drive innovation in test methods, including automation, digital twins, and model-based test approaches


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