BAE Systems
Test and Acceptance Engineer

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Job Title: Test and Acceptance Engineer
Location: Christchurch – Onsite only
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary: Up to £45,000 (dependent on skills and experience)
Who We Are
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description
We are currently recruiting for a Test and Acceptance Engineer at our Christchurch site.
This long-term appointment is a complement to the existing wider team that provides support to a fully integrated command and control system for the MoD. This exciting systems & software programme covers many disciplines including design, development, installation, implementation, integration, acceptance, training and logistics support – it is run solely from our Christchurch site for delivery to our customer at various MoD locations.
Core Duties
- You will develop and/or maintain a set of tests that prove the functionality of the system to be delivered
- You will carry out testing activities during the product lifecycle
- You will partake in customer witnessed acceptance test events at customer sites
- You will produce and update test reports and test schedules
- You will partake in rig management – carrying out deployments, installing patches and managing configurations/test environments
- You will carry out defect clearance, alongside aerification and validation activities
- You will be prepared to work away from home for short periods in MoD environments
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Essential Skills
- You will have previous experience in a testing role – integration, regression, acceptance and performance testing, ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level qualification or equivalent
- You will have experience of creating test case definition through requirements analysis
- You will be able to complete fault analysis and reporting to development teams
- You will be experienced with defect tracking tools
- You will bring experience of non-functional and functional testing strategies and execution
- You will be able to use PowerShell and Command Prompt skills in aid of running test scripts
- You will have experience of Windows operating systems, including Active Directory
The Test Team
You will be responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability and performance of the system through testing and defect identification. This role involves designing and executing test cases, documenting results, and collaborating closely with others in the test team, developers, and other stakeholder to deliver high-quality software that meets business and user requirements. The manual tester plays a key role in identifying issues early in the software development lifecycle to ensure quality standards are maintained.
To fulfil this practical and ‘hands on’ role, it would be beneficial for the you to be qualified to diploma or degree level in an engineering discipline.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.


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A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 13th August 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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