Senior Test Systems Architect (Missile & Complex Defence Systems)
Why this role will interest senior test engineers
Were supporting a long-standing UK MOD partner delivering advanced missile systems, and were looking for a Senior or Principal-level Test Engineer who wants to step into a true system-level architecture role .
This position is ideal for experienced engineers from test equipment, BIT, production test, or system verification backgrounds who want greater technical authority, broader influence, and visibility across the full product lifecycle from early design through manufacture and in-service support.
Youll work closely with the Chief Design Engineer and act as the lead test authority within multidisciplinary teams, shaping how complex missile systems are tested, diagnosed, built, and supported in service.
What youll be responsible for
Defining and owning the system-level test strategy, balancing cost, coverage, and diagnostic effectiveness
Architecting Built-In Test (BIT) solutions, including coverage requirements, timings, and system routines
Specifying factory pass-out and production test stages, ensuring testability is designed into manufacture
Defining in-service test concepts to support maintainability and supportability
Translating high-level test intent into clear lower-level requirements for design teams
Analysing and modelling systems to evaluate test coverage and fault diagnosis
Advising on cost vs test-coverage trade-offs alongside the Chief Design Engineer
Planning and coordinating test-related activities across internal teams and suppliers
This is not a delivery-only role you will shape decisions that influence the system architecture.
What were looking for
You dont need to tick every box this role is about depth of experience, not keywords.
Essential experience
Strong background in test equipment, test systems, or test architecture within complex products
Solid understanding of digital electronics, microprocessor systems, analogue and power electronics
Confidence operating at system or sub-system level in multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Desirable / beneficial
Experience in defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated environments
Exposure to requirements management tools (DOORS, Polarion, Jama, or similar)
Previous involvement in BIT, production testing, or in-service test strategy
What happens now?
If your application meets the initial selection criteria, a member of our talent acquisition team will contact you via email to arrange a structured screening call. This conversation will explore your experience, technical background, and suitability for the role in more detail.
Security Clearance : British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our clients Security Team.
More about the role:
For more than 70 years, our client has been in a strong partnership with the UK military. They have accomplished numerous milestones in defence engineering and have provided essential defence capabilities to meet the requirements of the armed forces across land, sea, and air.
This job is at our client's site in Bolton facility, one of the North West's leading manufacturing sites for at least 25 years. The facility offers showers and bike racks and is near the motorway, with a petrol station outside. Amenities like an onsite canteen.
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