Senior Development Test Systems Engineer

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Senior Development Test Systems Engineer

Location: based in Belfast, minimum 3 days/ week in office (hybrid), with <10% domestic travel

Other: permanent, full-time

Take the lead in developing cutting-edge test systems, collaborate with global experts, and drive real-world impact - all within a supportive, innovation-driven environment - join us at Thales Belfast today!

What the role has to offer

• Lead the hands‑on design and development of innovative hardware and automated software test systems that enable high-volume, cost‑effective missile production

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage directly with international customers and partners to deliver impactful, real‑world solutions

• Thrive in a fast‑paced, supportive environment that promotes continuous improvement, quality, operational excellence, and a culture of open communication and teamwork

Our Opportunity

Join Thales Belfast, a leader in designing and manufacturing cutting‑edge, lightweight missile systems for defence solutions. We specialise in integrating advanced weapon systems into tactical platforms, including land vehicles, helicopters, and UAVs.

We're excited to offer a dynamic opportunity within our Test Systems Engineering team, where you’ll play a key role in crafting innovative technical solutions that drive both customer success and business growth. As a vital member of multidisciplinary programmes, guided by expert leadership, you’ll contribute to the design, development, and support of state‑of‑the‑art test systems throughout the product lifecycle.

Reporting to the Test Systems Discipline Manager, you will collaborate closely with a passionate team of Test Systems Engineers and cross‑disciplinary experts in Systems, Software, and Electronic Design. Work alongside influential managers and engage directly with UK and international customers, end‑users, and partners to deliver impactful, real‑world results. If you’re ready to take your engineering career to the next level within a supportive and forward‑thinking environment, Thales Belfast is the place to be.

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) - our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.

What we offer you

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Performance‑related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Main Responsibilities

• Drive Innovation in Test Engineering by developing future‑focused test capabilities that enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and support the delivery of world‑class products
• Lead End‑to‑End Test Solution Development, partnering with Engineering Designers to define test strategies, create comprehensive test plans, and ensure full compliance with product test specifications
• Design and Deliver Advanced Test Systems, including production test applications, Factory Test Equipment, hardware schematics, cable assemblies, and detailed manufacturing documentation
• Develop Automated Test Software using LabVIEW and associated technologies to control instrumentation, communication interfaces, embedded programming, and automated production processes
• Champion Quality and Operational Excellence by ensuring all test solutions adhere to company standards, quality processes, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving innovation across the business
• Provide Technical Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement, supporting production teams with fault diagnosis and repair activities, while representing the business confidently with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors

About You

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

Ideal Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Acquired a minimum HND qualification in Engineering, Computing, or a related technical discipline
• Proven experience in the design, development, implementation, and support of production test equipment, delivering effective test solutions within an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated expertise in automated test system development, including the design and development of complex, reliable, and user‑friendly LabVIEW‑based test solutions
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of test technologies, validation, and instrumentation integration, including Boundary Scan (XJTAG), design verification, and the automation and control of PXI, GPIB, and USB‑based test equipment
• Demonstrated capability in communications and system integration, with knowledge of protocols such as RS232, RS422, MIL‑STD‑1553, CANBus, and Ethernet
• Proven problem‑solving capability and demonstrated stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, influence key stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Desirable:

• Proven expertise in the design, development, and implementation of automated production test equipment, combining advanced LabVIEW capability (CLD certified), TestStand, custom test sequencers, and digital/analogue electronics to deliver robust, efficient, and reliable test solutions
• Demonstrated technical excellence across the full product lifecycle, including fault diagnosis to component level, electro‑mechanical and electro‑optical system design, and the application of PLM, requirements management, SVN, and Git tools to maintain traceability, quality, and controlled development
• Proven leadership, adaptability, and continuous improvement mindset, with experience leading small engineering teams, thriving in fast‑paced environments, and driving innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies and engineering best practices

Security Clearance Requirement

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). 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.

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.

For further guidance, please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.

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