Production Test Engineer - Live Build - Electronic/Electrical

Our client, a globally recognised force in the missile and defence sector and a trusted partner of the UK Ministry of Defence, is seeking a highly skilled Production Test Engineer with hands-on expertise in live build environments. This critical role involves delivering advanced technical support for the manufacturing and testing of complex weapon systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting live build production tests and diagnostics at both system and subsystem levels, ensuring precision, safety, and performance throughout the production life-cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver expert Test Engineering support throughout the full product lifecycle-from initial concept and design through to Production Readiness Review and operational release (live build).
• Lead the introduction and validation of test facilities, ensuring robust configuration control of all equipment and environments. This includes authoring comprehensive test specifications and operator instructions.
• Execute and support electrical/electronic testing of complex weapon systems, with a focus on diagnosing production test failures down to subsystem level.
• Drive timely root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions, enabling uninterrupted manufacturing progress in alignment with programme time-lines.
• Evaluate technical challenges and propose innovative solutions for test equipment enhancements and process optimisation.
• Represent Test Engineering at Defect Review Board meetings, ensuring swift resolution of quality notifications and continuous improvement of test processes.

What do you need?:

• Provide expert Test Engineering support throughout the design and development lifecycle-from initial concept through to Production Readiness Review and transition to live operations.
• Lead the commissioning and validation of test facilities, ensuring full configuration control of equipment and environments, supported by clear test specifications and operator documentation.
• Conduct and support diagnostic testing of complex electrical/electronic weapon systems, identifying faults down to subsystem level to maintain production flow.
• Drive timely root cause analysis and corrective actions, enabling manufacturing teams to meet programme milestones without disruption.
• Investigate technical issues and recommend enhancements to test equipment and processes, contributing to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Act as the Test Engineering representative in Defect Review Board meetings, ensuring effective resolution of quality issues and alignment with corrective action plans.

What happens now?

Upon submission of your application, should it meet our selection criteria, you will be contacted via e-mail by one of our talent acquisition specialists to arrange a screening call. This telephone chat is structured to explore a series of questions aimed at matching your competencies and capabilities to the specific demands of the position. Please note, this screening is contingent upon the initial success of your application.

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 role is based near our client's headquarters in Stevenage, a key site for missile operations with excellent transportation links. Employees receive comprehensive training and development opportunities.