Test Systems Architect

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Job Title: Test Systems Engineer

Location: Thales Belfast

Company Overview: Thales Belfast is a key player in the design, development, and manufacturing of low-cost, high-volume missile systems. With facilities in Belfast, Crossgar, and Thorney Island, Thales specialises in lightweight missiles and weapon system integration into tactical platforms such as land vehicles, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and extends its expertise to the space arena. Our innovative solutions support both defence and space industries, ensuring excellence in all missions.

Role Purpose: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Test Systems Engineer within our Test Systems Engineering group. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and development of innovative technical solutions, ensuring they meet customer requirements and business needs. You will be an integral part of Thales Belfast’s multi-discipline programmes, working under the guidance of the Test Systems Work Package Manager, and performing various design, development, and support tasks throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop future test capabilities to enhance the efficiency of key personnel.
• Collaborate with Engineering Designers to create comprehensive test plans.
• Ensure testability requirements are met.
• Develop test applications for Production Acceptance Tests.
• Design Factory Test Equipment and deliver detailed hardware design schematics, cable drawings, and assembly drawings.
• Develop, code, and maintain test software for Automatic Test Equipment (ATE).
• Adhere to company processes and standards for test solution development.
• Support Operations in Product Acceptance Tests, including fault diagnosis and repair.
• Represent Thales at meetings and presentations to customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects within the company.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Significant experience in hardware design for automated production test solutions.
• Proven expertise in designing and developing applications using Labview.
• Development of Boundary Scan Test Capabilities using X-JTAG.
• Working knowledge of data communications (RS232, RS422, 1553, CANBus, Ethernet).
• Instrumentation selection, integration, and automation (GPIB, PXI, USB).
• Ability to validate test systems and verify design requirements.
• Effective communication skills, self-motivated, and innovative.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and commitment to overcoming barriers.
• Team-oriented with a strong focus on achieving team goals.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in data management tools for product lifecycle management.
• Experience with test software tools for automation (e.g., TestStand).
• Knowledge of configuration management tools (e.g., Tortoise SVN, GIT).
• Understanding of Digital and Analogue Circuit Design, Development, and Fault-finding.
• Expertise in designing electro-mechanical and electro-optic systems.
• Experience in Configuration Management, Change Control, and Requirements Management.
• Awareness of current trends in test development engineering.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of an HND in engineering or computing.
• 5 years of relevant experience in designing production test equipment is highly desirable.

Values & Behaviours: The successful candidate will demonstrate innovation, dedication, and determination. They will efficiently manage high-pressure environments and exhibit core Thales behaviours, including focusing on customers, performing through teamwork, innovating, and developing our people.

Join Thales Belfast and contribute to cutting-edge missile system development and our ambitious endeavors in the space arena. If you’re an innovative problem-solver with a passion for engineering and technology, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Apply Now!

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In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

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