Ultra Intelligence & Communications
Principal Test Development Engineer
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Ultra Intelligence & Communications Cyber (UK) – Powering Decision
Join the team redefining defence technology
Based at our Cyber Centre of Excellence in Maidenhead
Principal Test Development Engineer
About the Role From engineering systems that save lives to leading programmes that change the battlefield—find where you belong in the future of defence. Our Cyber Business Unit is driving innovation in cryptographic and key management solutions, ensuring secure and confidential exchange of critical information for both tactical and strategic operations. Your work will directly enhance global security, trust, and operational effectiveness.
As a Principal Test Development Engineer, you’ll design, implement, and optimise test solutions for electronic products—from development to production—while collaborating cross-functionally to improve test efficiency and reliability.
Key Responsibilities
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Bidding & Proposal Support
- Provide cost estimates and timelines for test equipment required during bid and proposal stages.
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Design-for-Test Leadership
- Lead or contribute to design-for-test activities, ensuring new product designs are optimised for reliable testing.
- Partner with engineering teams to advocate for effective test methodologies.
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Test Solution Development & Implementation
- Define and implement efficient, cost-effective test solutions for both production and Qualification phases.
- Design test facilities, including mechanical layouts, electrical circuits, and wiring schemes.
- Develop test software/firmware required for test automation.
- Commission test facilities,including defining and producing calibration procedures.
- Create clear procedure and documentation for manufacturing, production, and qualification testing.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, especially engineering, to define interfacing protocols for software development.
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Production & Legacy System Support
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and continuously improve legacy test equipment.
- Support the manufacturing and setup of new test facilities.
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- Security Compliance
- Adhere to information security protocols as defined in Commercial Security Manual (CSM).
Required Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- Proficiency in developing automated test programs using:
- National Instruments TestStand
- NI LabVIEW or CVI
- Strong experience in C/C++ programming for embedded or test applications.
- Hands-on experience in creating:
- e2d mechanical drawings for test facilities
- electrical circuit diagrams and wiring schedules for test boxes/cables
- Ability to generate clear, unambiguous written test instructions (manuals, procedures, or guidelines).
- Proficiency in standard office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio).
- Valid working experience in:
- Testing digital FPGA-based products.
- Testing RF products up to 20 GHz.
Desirable Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with:
- Ethernet interfaces
- I2C, SPI, RS232, RS485 protocols (testing experience a plus).
- JTAG testing (e.g., JTAG Technologies Provision Tools).
Security Clearance
Mandatory: This role requires access to trusted sources and/or handling of export-controlled material. Applicants must be willing and able to obtain and maintain security clearance as outlined below:
- Standard Contractor (SC) clearance is required for this position.
- Defence Vetting (DV) clearance may be required for certain areas of the role.
- Citizenship & Residency Requirements:
- To secure SC clearance, you must be a British citizen and have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.
- For DV clearance, 10 years of UK residency is required.
For detailed guidance, see the UKSC vetting requirements.
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Our Benefits
Ultra I&C values your contribution and rewards talent with a competitive benefits package:
- Annual Bonus Scheme – recognised contributions rewarded financially.
- Private Medical Cover.
- Generous Holiday Allowance:
- 25 days’ paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
- Optional additional 5 days purchase.
- Flexible Pension Contribution.
- Life Assurance Policy:
- 4x salary life cover.
- Flexible Working Hours*, including:
- Priority for a weekly 1pm finish (Fridays).
- Cyber Security Allowance ( Eliza Term, leaving eligible)
- Only available to employees holding security clearance.
- Flexible Wellbeing & Support Benefits:
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme*.
- Collaborative tools for will writing and financial planning support.
Our Culture & Values
At Ultra I&C, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to driving innovation. We are an equal-opportunity employer, rejecting discrimination based on race, religion, LGBTQ+ status, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or nationality.
We foster inclusive environments where all employees can bring their full selves to work. If you have a disability or care for a dependant and need adjustments, we encourage you to let us know.
Contact For Queries
- Email: careers@ultra-ic.com
About Ultra I&C
Ultra I&C delivers resilient tactical communications, mission optimisation, and encryption technology—enabling real-time, decision-ready intelligence. Our customers rely on our multidomain advantage for speed, clarity, and tactical dominance in contested environments.
From Austin, Texas, we partner with defense forces globally to outpace threats with purpose-built intelligence solutions. Your work here positions you at the cutting edge of cyber security, cryptography, and boundary-pushing defence technology.
Make your mark with a company shaping the future of defence.
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