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Permanent

Principal Test Development Engineer

Gold Group
Ashford
money-bag Negotiable
Posted: 08 September 2026 (Today)
Closing date: 08 October 2026
Ref: 225583851

Job Title: Principal Test Development Engineer
Location: Ashford
Salary: -DOE

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Test Development Engineer to join a specialist engineering organisation in the design and manufacture of sophisticated, unmanned aerial and surface systems used internationally for realistic testing, evaluation and operator training.

As part of a highly skilled Engineering Team, you will play a key role in developing and maintaining the automated test capability that supports complex electronic products throughout their lifecycle.

The Role

As a Principal Test Development Engineer, you will provide technical leadership within the test engineering function while remaining hands-on with complex electronic and software-based automated test solutions.

You will lead the development and evolution of automated test systems, support production-critical test equipment and work closely with design, manufacturing and production teams to ensure robust and effective test capability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain, enhance and support existing NI-based Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems.
  • Lead the design, development and verification of automated test solutions using NI TestStand, LabVIEW and FlexStand.
  • Design and develop test fixtures and commission new test capability for products and electronic subsystems.
  • Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to embed Design for Test (DFT) principles into new product development.
  • Provide technical leadership within the test engineering function.
  • Mentor and support engineers, helping to develop technical capability across the team.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex test equipment and production test issues.
  • Develop and maintain test documentation, processes and technical standards.
  • Contribute to the development of future automated test strategies and capabilities.
  • Support production and NPI activities, ensuring test solutions are robust, repeatable and fit for purpose.

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

  • Strong hands-on experience developing automated test systems using NI TestStand.
  • Practical experience developing test solutions using LabVIEW.
  • Proven experience in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) design, development, commissioning or support.
  • Strong electronics engineering knowledge, including the ability to interpret and work from electronic schematics.
  • Experience working within a production, manufacturing or NPI environment.
  • Experience designing, integrating or troubleshooting electronic test systems.
  • Practical experience using laboratory and test instrumentation including:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Digital multimeters (DMMs)
  • Signal generators
  • Data acquisition equipment
  • Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
  • Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring or guidance to other engineers.

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrable professional experience working within TestStand-based automated test environments.

***PLEASE NOTE***

Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website.

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