Principal Test Definition Engineer

Overview

The role of a Definition Lead is to work with and coordinate the task packages for both internal and external suppliers to develop and deliver test solution, simulators and emulators. This is a varied role ranging from developing requirements with stakeholders, through to being in a design lab, supporting the acceptance of a test solution and ensuring our Weapon System products can be tested thoroughly and accurately.

Either way, you will quickly see the results of your efforts in the realisation of Test Solutions that you can associate with your engineering abilities.

• Establish world‑class Test Solutions, Environment Simulators and Emulators for use internally at MBDA and by our Customer’s Armed Forces.
• Contribute to MBDA’s international Weapon System Test Equipment Strategy, balancing technology re‑use with emerging technology trends.
• Apply the Weapon System Test Equipment and Testability Strategies to all new programmes and through‑life enhancement upgrades.
• Define clear requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Develop and understand interface specifications.
• Understand and contribute to the key activities in the engineering development lifecycle.
• Manage schedule, cost, quality and performance metrics for assigned work packages.
• Work within a multi‑discipline engineering team (e.g. Systems, mechanical, electrical, software).
• Understand the benefits of re‑use versus new development.
• Capture transversal engineering stakeholder needs (e.g. Safety, Cyber, Human Factors, Customer Support Services).
• Run peer and design reviews.
• Limit technical risks through application of mitigation strategies.
• Grow your professional network through our multi‑national defence organisation.

• Practical, logical thinking in challenging or complex situations.
• Experience coordinating multi‑supplier task packages.
• Knowledge of test solutions, simulators, emulators and test equipment strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and requirement definition skills.
• Ability to manage cost, schedule, quality and performance metrics.
• Experience in a multi‑discipline engineering environment.
• Awareness of re‑use benefits and new development trade‑offs.
• Experience in running design reviews and mitigating technical risk.

• Salary:
  Circa £53,000, depending on experience.
• Company bonus:
  Up to £2,500 (based on company performance).
• Pension:
  Combined employer and employee contribution up to 14%.
• Overtime:
  Opportunity for paid overtime.
• Flexi‑Leave:
  Up to 15 additional days.
• Flexible working: 2–3 days per week on‑site, hybrid arrangement.
• Enhanced parental leave:
  Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, with additional enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatment.
• Annual paid leave: 25 days per calendar year, increasing by one day after 5, 10 and 15 years of service.
• Optional holiday purchase:
  Up to five extra days through payroll.
• Dynamic Working policies:
  Paid overtime, dynamic leave (time in lieu) and other flexibility options.
• Retirement Savings Plan:
  Defined Contribution plan with 4% employee contribution, 6% employer contribution, and up to 2% additional contributions.
• Financial Awareness:
  Free financial webinars and education website.
• Share Incentive Plan:
  Ability to acquire shares in BAE Systems PLC.
• Mortgage Advice:
  Free mortgage advice webinars.
• Season Ticket Loan:
  Borrow the value of a public transport season ticket and repay over 12 months.
• Critical Illness:
  Tax‑free lump‑sum payment upon diagnosis.
• Employee Assistance Programme:
  Confidential support 24/7, up to 8 counselling sessions.
• Voluntary Private Medical Insurance:
  Three plans for you and family.
• Funded Private Medical Insurance:
  Standard for Grade C & above.
• Dental Insurance:
  Cash‑back for routine treatments, 6 levels of cover.
• Healthcare Cash Plan:
  Cash‑back for everyday healthcare expenses, 6 levels of cover.
• Healthcare and Leisure:
  Cash‑back and special deals for sports, recreation.
• Healthworks Gym Membership at Stevenage plus discounted gym memberships nationwide.
• Club:
  Social activities such as theatre, sports and days out.

• Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2–3 days per week on‑site.
• Option to work from home for roles not based on a site full‑time.
• Accrue and take up to 15 days of Flexi‑Leave per annum, in addition to 25 days paid leave.

British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship required. All successful candidates must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).