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# Test Design Engineer

- **Company:** Thales Group
- **Location:** Belfast, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Digital Twin, SC Clearance
- **Published:** October 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=25c822164cd8b977

## About the Role

* Proven experience as a Systems Architect / 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, Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years' residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

## Description

We are seeking an experienced Test Design Engineer 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