Principal Test Engineer

Job Description

Principal Test Engineer - Optics

Introduction

Do you want to work on real-time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company? Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable ’smart’ solutions.

Leonardo Southampton has a strong heritage in Infrared Detectors since the 1950s. Designed and built in the UK, Leonardo’s Detectors and thermal imaging sensors play a crucial role in providing visibility and situational awareness, no matter what the environmental conditions.

We have a position available for an experienced electro-optic Test Engineer to define and deliver test solutions for a major global air programme, from early prototype development through to production.

This role presents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation.

This role would suit a more experienced engineer looking to expand their skillset and work on high performance products.

Main Purpose of the Job

The design, development and through-life support of electro-optical test equipment and test processes for the company’s range of Precision Guidance products, from initial product development through to volume production.

As part of the test engineering team the engineer will be involved in the specification, design, procurement, manufacture, verification and evaluation of test equipment with supporting documentation, delivered to agreed budget and timescales.

Typical test equipment will include optical, thermal and electronic components as well as test software. Although not expected to be an expert in all these areas the role will require hands on activity, therefore a wide knowledge and proven experience is desired.

The engineer will also be responsible for supporting test system related issues in production.

Key Responsibilities

Interpretation of product test requirements in order to

• Define a test strategy and plan
• Define a test system
• Generate work packages and estimate the cost to deliver said plan across multiple functions
  
  

Generation, co-ordination and execution of work packages, from bid through to project completion, to cost, quality and time, with appropriate level of procedural governance

Build, commissioning and verification of new test solutions

Development testing of product with an understanding of environmental stress screening and production lifespan

Preparation of technical documentation including user instructions

Support to test system related issues in production and investigation of root cause of detector faults returned from the field.

Essential

Key Skills and Experience required

• Degree in Electronics Engineering/Physics (or equivalent)
• Experience of one or more of the following areas Electrical test, , Electro-optics.
• Understanding optoelectronic devices and systems, such as lasers and photodetectors, is highly desired in the field of optical engineering.
• Ability to assimilate and apply technical information to design tasks and to problem solving
• Ability to validate and qualify new mechanical designs under different environmental conditions
• Practical ‘hands on’ laboratory test, diagnostic and measurement experience, including electro-optical instrumentation
• Demonstrate evidence of good organisation, planning and execution of work
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work closely in a team with other engineering and science disciplines
• Good Communication and customer liaison skills
• Careful Measurement and analytical skills
  
  

Desirable

• Test Software Experience,, LabVIEW, MATLAB or similar
• Experience of soldering surface mount components
• Experience of mechanical design
• Experience of using industry standard ECAD tools
• Understanding of how the operating environment influences the design
  
  

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)
• Lifestyle Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning
• Referral Incentive You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below
  
  

For a full list of our company benefits please our website here.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Contract Type

Hybrid Working

Hybrid