Principal Development Engineer in Wolverhampton, West Midlands

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Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.



Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.



What do we offer?



Competitive salary

Company performance bonus scheme

Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution

Private medical insurance

Comprehensive health cash plan

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non- Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)

Structured training & opportunities to progress



What does the role look like?



We are seeking an experienced Principal Development Engineer to play a critical leadership role in delivering verification and qualification test evidence for advanced defence systems.



This is a senior technical position where you will lead the planning and execution of development and qualification activities, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. Acting as the focal point for the wider Development team, you will provide technical direction, resolve complex challenges, mentor engineers, and drive delivery to demanding timescales.



You will combine deep technical expertise with strong organisational and communication skills to ensure high-quality deliverables, robust process compliance and successful programme outcomes.



What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?



Translate customer requirements into detailed test definitions and formal Qualification Test Procedures

Lead the planning, setup and execution of mechanical, hydraulic, environmental and performance testing

Define and commission test equipment and rigs to support qualification activities

Manage on-site and off-site qualification testing, including coordination of external test facilities

Interpret and analyse test data, lead failure investigations and provide technical recommendations

Generate and approve development and qualification documentation and reports

Perform functional and acceptance testing of development units

Provide technical leadership and mentoring to the Development team, supporting problem resolution and capability growth

Ensure adherence to EH&S standards, process compliance and high housekeeping standardsWhat will you bring to the role?



Essential skills:



Extensive experience in mechanical/hydraulic and environmental qualification testing (strength, fatigue, endurance, vibration, temperature, humidity, contaminants, fire resistance)

Proven capability in managing qualification testing (on-site and off-site), including documentation, data analysis and failure investigation

Strong technical judgement with the ability to lead problem resolution and deliver compliant solutions within defined timescales



Desirable skills:



Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Experience with rig software (e.g. LabVIEW, DIAdem)

Electrical testing knowledge (bonding, EMC)

Test rig specification and commissioning experience

Exposure to non-standard test methodologies and process improvement initiatives

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