Propulsion Test Engineer

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 five major industries; Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, 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.
Primary Purpose of the Role:
Thales Belfast in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space is developing and manufacturing Satellites and subsystems for Space programmes. An opportunity has arisen within our Test Systems Engineering group, working on the design and development of innovative technical solutions that meet customer requirements and business needs. The successful candidate will work as part of the Test Systems Engineering team on Thales Belfast's Space programme. They will develop and conduct fluidic testing on propulsion systems. They shall report regularly to operations management and the customer on progress. They shall also lead the training of operators to appropriate standards and ensure pressure equipment is properly maintained. Out of hours, shift working will be periodically required to meet safety obligations.
Principal Relationships:

• Leading a small team of pressure Test Engineers and technicians
• Liaising with personnel from other departments including Operations, Mechanical, Electrical and Methods Engineering.
• Reporting to the Test Systems Discipline Manager and Propulsion Competency Centre test manager.
• Provide support to the Work Package Manager, Programme Manager and the end Customer.
• Interaction with UK and international customers, end-users and industrial partners

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Responsible for the delivery of pressure test within the manufacturing cycle
• Support the Work Package Manger in relation to the scheduling of pressure testing.
• Support the Programme Manager in ensuring pressure test capability is available.
• Develop test plans in conjunction with Test Systems Design Engineers.
• As a subject matter expert (SME), take part in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Technical Review Boards (TRB) with the customer.
• Ensure Test requirements are satisfied.
• Ensure Safety obligation under GS4 and PSSR are met in regards to working with pressure systems
• Ensure pressure test equipment is adequately maintained.
• Interpretation of Test requirements from Technical Requirement Specifications (TRS).
• Represent the company at meetings and presentations to customers, suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects when required.

Skills
Essential

• Experience in use of PGSE for purposes of Qualification and Acceptance testing.
• Proven experience of leading a small technical team, including managing shift schedules
• Previous experience of developing and delivering training to a team
• Experience working with high pressure gases
• Competent in writing technical documentation, such as production test procedures
• A proven understanding of test requirements and subsequent analysis of data
• Proficiency in use of data management tools for product lifecycle management
• Knowledge of GS4 and PSSR requirements

Desirable

• Demonstrable skills in hardware design of both Low Pressure and High Pressure Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) both manual and automated.
• Experience of development of test solutions within the aerospace industry and an understanding of the additional challenges this level of product scrutiny entails.
• Knowledge of hardware development lifecycles and methodologies

Experience:
Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Self motivated and enthusiastic
• Able to overcome barriers and make things happen
• Experience in leading a team and working with other teams to achieve a common goal

Desirable

• Will have demonstrated a high degree of technical expertise, problem solving skills, innovation and commitment
• Experience in Configuration Management, Change Control and Requirements Management
• Good understanding of current trends in test development engineering and technologies.

Values & Behaviours:
The successful candidate will:

• Display innovation and self-motivation;
• Be able to work in a high pressure environment;
• Demonstrate dedication and determination in assigned tasks

Additionally, the successful candidate will exhibit the following core Thales behaviours:

• Focus on Customers
• Perform through teaming
• Innovate
• Develop our people

Qualifications:
Essential

• A minimum of a BSc/BEng (Hons) degree in an engineering degree or HND with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.

Desirable

• An MEng degree or equivalent in an engineering degree.

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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