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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Test Systems Engineer - **Company:** Leonardo UK - **Location:** Southampton, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Systems Engineering - **Published:** August 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/principal-systems-engineer/leonardo-uk-ltd-job107783706 ## About the Role You will have proven experience as a Test Engineer, with the following attributes; * HNC/HND or higher or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline, e.g. Physics, Engineering. * Ability to verify and validate electro-mechanical test systems, fault finding and problem solving. * Ability to assimilate and apply technical information to design tasks. * Demonstrate evidence of good organisation, planning and execution of work * Attention to detail. * Ability to work closely in a team with other engineering and science disciplines. * Good Communication and customer liaison skills. * Careful Measurement and analytical skillset. * Experience of the following areas: Electrical test, Electro-optics, thermal cryogenics, mechanical assembly. * Practical 'hands on' laboratory test, diagnostic and measurement experience, including electro-optical and optical communication instrumentation. ## Description Leonardo has an exciting vacancy for a Principal Test Systems Engineer, based at our dedicated Test Facility in Southampton. We are looking for an experienced Test Engineer to act as point of contact for Project Teams and coordinate the work for a multi-disciplined team of Test Engineers. This role presents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation and not to mention an award-winning benefits package! Your impact As Principal Test Systems Engineer you will be responsible for the specification, design, procurement, manufacture, verification and evaluation of test equipment and procedures. Supporting projects with documentation and delivery to agreed budget and timescales. Typical test equipment will include optical, thermal and electronic components as well as test software. Although not expected to be an expert in all these areas the role will require hands on activity, therefore a wide knowledge and proven experience is desired to bring all these aspects together to provide a reliable test system. To support the design, development and through-life support of electro-optical test equipment and test processes for the company's range of Infrared Detectors, from initial product development through to volume production. Responsibilities include; * Take ownership and deliver work packages to time and budget. Tracking costs and task progress. * Identify the needs to deliver the proposed test system(s) for the detector or module development. * Generate work packages and estimate the cost to deliver those needs. * Develop, procure, instal and commission new test capability for testing the performance of our new development product types. * Prove by testing the new test systems and reporting how they meet the requirements. * Authoring and presenting where necessary governance and technical documentation, for example those needed for Declaration of Design and Performance. * Act as Test Lead at Integrated Product Team meetings. ## Related Videos - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) - [Excellent Software Testing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/87-excellent-software-testing) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Why I Love End-2-End Tests and How To Get Them Right](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/996-why-i-love-end-2-end-tests-and-how-to-get-them-right) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk) - [Fullstack Developer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/251-fullstack-developer-salary-uk)