Spectrum IT Recruitment
Principal Test Engineer
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal System Test Engineer to join an innovative engineering business developing cutting-edge wireless communications technology that is already deployed in mission-critical environments across the globe.
This is a hands-on senior engineering position where you'll play a key role in designing and developing automated test solutions for advanced 5G and next-generation wireless systems. Working alongside highly skilled software, hardware and systems engineers, you'll help ensure products are robust, scalable and ready for deployment in some of the world's most demanding communications environments.
This organisation has built an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, combining world-class research with commercially proven products used by leading telecommunications, semiconductor and aerospace organisations worldwide.
The Role
As Principal System Test Engineer, you'll take ownership of developing and evolving automated test systems across a portfolio of high-performance wireless communication products. Working across the full development lifecycle, you'll translate system requirements into robust test architectures, develop automation frameworks and ensure reliable verification at development, integration and system level.
The role is predominantly office-based from modern offices at Southampton Science Park, with occasional international travel to support customers and technical partners.
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Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop modular automated test frameworks using Python, with some C/C++
- Develop and execute automated test solutions for 5G and emerging 6G wireless technologies
- Configure and utilise RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, VNAs and signal generators
- Work closely with development teams to define test strategies from system requirements
- Build scalable test environments supporting development, integration and system-level verification
- Develop test capability for high-speed digital interfaces
- Produce clear technical documentation including test specifications, architecture documentation and user guides
- Support customer demonstrations and technical engagements where required
What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Test Engineer with a strong understanding of wireless communications and automated testing, alongside the ability to solve complex engineering challenges.
You'll ideally have:
- Degree or HNC in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications or a related discipline
- Strong Python development skills for automated test systems
- Experience developing scalable automated test frameworks
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment
- Good understanding of 5G, 6G or modern wireless communication systems
- Knowledge of 3GPP specifications and wireless system architectures
- Ability to derive test requirements from technical specifications and system designs
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Experience with any of the following would also be advantageous:
- CI -/CD pipelines
- Hardware-in-the loop testing
- Laboratory automation
- RF measurement techniques
- Customer-facing technical support
The Person
This role would suit someone who enjoys taking ownership of technically challenging projects and thrives in a collaborative engineering environment.
You'll be someone who:
- Takes pride in delivering high-quality engineering solutions
- Communicates technical concepts clearly
- Enjoys working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
- Challenges ideas constructively to improve outcomes
- Continuously looks for opportunities to improve tools, processes and automation
- Is adaptable and comfortable working on evolving technologies
What's On Offer
You'll be joining a collaborative, highly technical engineering team working on genuinely cutting-edge communications technology with real-world global deployment.
The business offers:
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Modern offices based at Southampton Science Park
- A collaborative engineering culture with genuine technical autonomy
- The opportunity to work on next-generation 5G and satellite communications technology
- Career progression within a growing, innovative technology business
- Excellent onsite facilities including café, nursery, secure cycle storage, showers and EV charging
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