Systems Test Engineer – Naval Communications

Location: Crawley, United KingdomThales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators, are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are ground breaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing and big data for use in physical protection systems, and critical information systems.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.

Systems Test Engineer – Naval Communications (R0256179)

Location – Crawley (Hybrid)

Thales has been the Royal Navy’s communications partner of choice for over 60 years. Today Thales provides communication support to 52 surface vessels in the Royal Navy as part of our Fleet Wide Comms activities, in addition to our support of elements in the sub-surface fleet. As a market leader, our communications equipment is sold and supported internationally; with over 20 customers in 13 countries across the globe. Our business is underpinned by strong collaboration and shared capability with our colleagues in France, Germany, and across the globe.

The Role

We have a unique opportunity for a Systems Test Engineer to join the team based in Crawley and be responsible for the management and discharge of work packages on key projects within our Naval Communications Portfolio. The role will involve all aspects of Systems Testing including Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification.

This role is full time and based primarily on site at Thales Crawley, with an expectation of a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. The majority of work is to be conducted in the Crawley integration facility working with the rest of the project team to deliver the integration phase of the lifecycle. There may also be a requirement to travel to various UK Customer and supplier sites

Key Responsibilities

• To take responsibility for the discharge of IVVQ (Integration, Verification, Validation and Qualification) engineering activities to time, quality and cost, as part of a wider integration team responsible for the overall de-risking of a fully integrated communications system for the Royal Navy
• To provide support to the planning and definition of the IVVQ processes and practices.
• To conduct technical investigations into both system and equipment level anomalies, liaising with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers as required.
• To be responsible for the maintenance of the design and production baselines for assigned Sub-Systems and/or Equipment under Test.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to work as part of a highly motivated and fast-paced team in support of the overall objectives of the programme.
• IVVQ work package planning and management (planning, defining and estimating IVVQ resources and activities; managing these to plan and budget).
• Able to present clearly and confidently to internal & external stakeholders
• Experience of Systems Engineering lifecycle activities, specifically requirements definition and the later IVVQ phases.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Thales Chorus 2.0 lifecycle and associated tools and processes (or equivalent).
• Experience of developing test scripts against acceptance criteria together with the associated traceability back to the requirements.
• Practical experience of conducting reviews eg. Configuration Audits, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Technical Qualification Reviews (TQRs), Final Qualification Reviews (FQRs) (or equivalent).
• Practical experience of hands-on equipment and system level testing with associated accurate and effective reporting and defect logging
• Experience of regression testing and defect rectification liaising with internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Good understanding of RF communications systems including HF and V/UHF equipment

Thales Benefits

• Annual performance bonus 8-10%
• Pension contributions up to 7%
• Stock option opportunities
• Generous training budget and allowance to attend conferences/workshops.
• 28 days base holiday (27 days + 1 company holiday in conjunction with Xmas bank holidays)
• Permanent Health Insurance, Critical Illness insurance (optional)
• Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Healthcare Cash Plan
• Extensive private healthcare plans, gym and well-being memberships, Cycle to Work, Travel Insurance, Holiday Purchase
• Enhanced maternity and parental leave.
• Life insurance; x times of base annual salary
• Discounts on major retail outlets
• Hybrid work
• Flexible hours (37 hrs a week) + Friday half day

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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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