MBDA
Principal Test Development Engineer

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Principal Test Development Engineer
Principal Test Development Engineer
Location: Bristol
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Test Development Engineer to contribute to the design, integration, and validation of test system hardware solutions, joining our highly skilled and dynamic Test Equipment Design Team. Join us for a stimulating and rewarding role with an exciting career path.
Salary & Relocation
- Salary: Circa £55,000, depending on experience
- Location: Stevenage, Bristol, or Bolton (Relocation package may be available)
Role Requirements
- Must be a British citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship
- Travel requirement: Bristol/Bolton-based candidates will need to travel to Stevenage once a month on average.
- Security clearance: Must pass HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after the offer stage.
Benefits
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (varies annually based on company performance)
- Pension: Max 14% total contribution (employer + employee)
- Overtime: Paid overtime opportunities
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: Encouraged for all applicants
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity/adoption, plus shared parental leave. Additional enhancements include paternity, neonatal, and fertility supports
- Site facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking, and more
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Opportunity
Your role will involve:
- Defining and specifying test approaches
- Identifying potential improvements to test/diagnostic processes
- Supporting design reviews, manufacturing queries, and reporting to Technical Lead or Equipment Project Manager
- Leading packages of work, managing deliveries, and assigning tasks to senior engineers
- Collaborating in an international team
Potential Career Paths (Depending on Experience)
-
Technical Leadership
- Ownership and leadership of test equipment technical design solutions
- Responsible for work packages, resourcing, and team management
-
Test Equipment Architect
- Advising customers on test equipment requirements
- Developing system designs to meet requirements
- Ensuring the developed system aligns with specified performance needs
What We’re Looking For
A skilled candidate with:
- Proven experience in hardware design supporting test system development, integration, and validation
- Knowledge of test needs and techniques throughout product lifecycle development
- Experience in Design Proving, performance testing, environmental testing, and EMC testing
- Strong documentation skills for test equipment design
- Demonstrated ability to manage work packages


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About Us: MBDA
Mission: "Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given."
MBDA is a leading defence organisation, collaborating with nations to safeguard freedom and sovereign interests. We proudly support the UK’s armed forces and the broader defence community.
Diversity & Inclusion
We foster a culture of inclusion through employee-led networks:
- Gender Equality
- Pride
- Menopause Matters
- Parents and Carers
- Armed Forces
- Ethnic Diversity
- Neurodiversity
- Disability
We welcome and support all applicants and invite you to discuss any adjustments you may need. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, or Instagram for more information, or visit the MBDA Careers website.
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