Test Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Test Design Manager

Company: Thales

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom (with flexibility across multiple UK sites)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Test & Verification Operations

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the Test Engineering Discipline within the Engineering Competence Centre (ECC-UK), focusing on complex test and verification systems across diverse Thales domains.

• Oversee the complete system development lifecycle, encompassing PXI architecture solutions and system IVVQ (Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification).

• Drive technical, tactical, and delivery management for modular PXI-based and traditional bespoke verification projects, ensuring high-quality outputs.

• Accountable for delivery performance, resource allocation, hardware quality assurance, and utilizing data analytics for monitoring and project alignment.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, optimal stakeholder management, and effective mitigation of escalations and exceptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior management role within a specialized engineering function, focusing on test and verification operations. The emphasis on "Test Engineering Management activities" and "complete system development lifecycle" indicates a strong need for process-driven leadership and strategic oversight of testing operations, rather than hands-on individual testing. The mention of "ICOSE systems framework" and "PXI architecture solutions" highlights specific technical operational domains.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Discipline Management: Define, support, and execute Test Engineering Management activities, ensuring alignment with Thales' broader engineering strategy and business needs.

• Lifecycle Oversight: Manage the complete system development lifecycle for test and verification systems, from initial concept through to IVVQ and deployment.

• Team Leadership: Act as a Team Lead (Line Manager) for employees within the Test Engineering Discipline, fostering talent development, conducting engineering talent reviews, and supporting pipeline development.

• Performance & Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to established processes, methods, and practices, maintaining hardware quality assurance and utilizing data analytics to monitor delivery performance.

• Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Manage multiple stakeholders across various organizational levels, including CBU Heads, Project Directors, and customers, effectively mitigating escalations and exceptions.

• Process Optimization: Support the optimization of Thales UK performance by simplifying, adapting, and improving test solution development processes, practices, tools, and interfaces.

• Capability Development: Quantify and manage skills, competences, processes, tools, and facilities within the Test Engineering Discipline in line with business needs, including accurate resource demand forecasting.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Business Lines and other ECCs (e.g., France, Romania, India) to exploit the engineering supply chain and capabilities across the Thales Group.

• Reporting & Escalation: Accountable for reporting performance metrics and escalating issues from the respective capability within the ECC-UK to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, operational management, and team development. The focus on "optimisation of Thales UK performance: costs and schedule adherence" and "simplifying / adapting the processes, practices tools and interfaces" points towards a strong revenue operations or GTM operations skillset applied within an engineering context, prioritizing efficiency and effective delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. A Master's degree or equivalent experience is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering, with a significant focus on test and verification, systems engineering, or hardware engineering management.

• Proven experience managing complex teams and projects within a structured engineering environment and governance framework.

Required Skills:

• Test Engineering Management: Expertise in managing test engineering disciplines, including strategy, execution, and resource planning.

• Systems Engineering Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of the full systems development lifecycle, particularly within test and verification contexts.

• PXI Architecture & Solutions: In-depth knowledge and experience with PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) architecture and its application in test systems.

• IVVQ Expertise: Proven ability to manage and deliver Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification activities for complex systems.

• Project Management Leadership: Strong capabilities in leading projects, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Team Leadership & Development: Experience in managing, mentoring, and developing engineering teams, including talent reviews and pipeline building.

• Hardware Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of hardware engineering principles and processes.

• Data Analytics & Performance Monitoring: Ability to utilize data analytics to monitor delivery performance, identify trends, and drive improvements.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to and experience with implementing and maintaining quality assurance standards in engineering processes.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders at various organizational levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Aerospace, Defence, Security, or Space sectors.

• Familiarity with the ICOSE systems framework.

• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

• Experience with international engineering collaboration and supply chain management.

• Ability to achieve and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience coupled with "management and leadership experience" and specific technical requirements like "PXI architecture solutions" and "ICOSE systems framework" positions this as a senior operations leadership role within a niche engineering function. The emphasis on "governance framework" and "quality assurance" indicates a need for rigorous process adherence common in highly regulated industries.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Test System Design & Implementation: Showcase examples of designed and implemented test systems, detailing the architecture (e.g., PXI-based), components, and functionalities.

• IVVQ Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating successful execution of Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification phases for complex systems, highlighting challenges overcome and results achieved.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Provide evidence of contributions to process optimization within test engineering, such as streamlining workflows, improving test coverage, or reducing test cycle times.

• Lifecycle Management Examples: Illustrate experience managing projects across the full test engineering lifecycle, from requirements definition through to deployment and maintenance.

• Data-Driven Performance Analysis: Include examples of how data analytics were used to monitor test performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive operational improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate ability to document and optimize test engineering workflows, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and adherence to quality standards.

• System Architecture Documentation: Present examples of clear and comprehensive documentation for complex test system architectures, including PXI configurations and integration points.

• Requirements Traceability: Showcase methods for ensuring and documenting traceability between system requirements, test cases, and test results for robust verification.

• Risk Management Documentation: Provide examples of how risks associated with test engineering projects were identified, assessed, and mitigated through documentation and action plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on test operations, a portfolio should emphasize leadership and strategic contributions rather than individual technical contributions. This includes showcasing how the candidate has managed processes, improved efficiency, led teams, and delivered complex test solutions. The "ICOSE systems framework" and "PXI architecture" are specific technical areas that should be reflected in portfolio examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

£65,000 - £90,000 per annum (estimated).

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry benchmarks for Test Design/Engineering Management roles in the UK with 10+ years of experience, particularly within the defence/aerospace sector, and considering the responsibility for managing complex systems and teams, a salary range of £65,000 to £90,000 is estimated. This range can vary based on specific location within the UK, individual experience, and the final scope of responsibilities. Thales is a large, established organization, typically offering competitive compensation packages.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Options for flexible working hours, job sharing, and home working to support work-life balance.

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive support for employee health and well-being.

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill development, and career progression within Thales' global network.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive pension plan.

• Annual Leave: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Other Benefits: Potential for performance-related bonuses, life assurance, and other company-specific benefits.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered where possible to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times," confirming the hybrid and flexible work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defence, Security, Space, Transportation. Thales is a global leader in these sectors, known for innovation and critical technology solutions.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with approximately 80,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers extensive opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Thales has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century. This signifies stability, extensive experience, and a well-established corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Engineering Competence Centre (ECC-UK) in the Central Engineering team.

• The Test Design Manager will report directly to the Head of the ECC-UK.

• The role involves managing direct reports, acting as a Team Lead, and collaborating with a wide array of senior stakeholders across different Business Units (CBUs) and functional departments (e.g., Engineering Operations, HR).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on utilizing "control data analytics to monitor delivery performance," indicating a strong reliance on data for operational insights and decision-making.

• Process Optimization: A core tenet is "simplifying / adapting the processes, practices tools and interfaces and changing the working methods," highlighting a proactive approach to efficiency and workflow improvement.

• Continuous Improvement: The role is tasked with "leading a culture of continuous improvement," suggesting an environment that values iterative enhancements and best practice adoption.

• Governance & Compliance: Operating within a "complex wider engineering environment" and "complex governance framework" implies strict adherence to industry standards, safety protocols, and quality management systems.

Company Website: https://www.thalesgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales's positioning as a global leader in critical technology sectors suggests a culture that values technical excellence, innovation, security, and rigorous engineering practices. The emphasis on employee development and flexibility indicates a commitment to talent retention and work-life integration within a demanding industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager level within a specialized engineering function. It requires significant leadership experience and a deep understanding of test and verification operations within complex, regulated environments.

Reporting Structure: The Test Design Manager reports to the Head of the ECC-UK, a senior leadership role within the Central Engineering team. They will manage their own team of engineers and work closely with Directors and Heads of departments across Thales UK.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality of Thales's complex test and verification systems. Successful management of these operations is critical for project delivery, customer satisfaction, and maintaining Thales's competitive edge in its core industries.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within the ECC-UK, Central Engineering, or Business Units, managing larger teams or broader engineering functions.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in advanced test and verification technologies and methodologies within Thales globally.

• Cross-Domain Exposure: Chance to gain experience across multiple Thales domains (Aerospace, Defence, Security, Space), broadening technical and strategic understanding.

• International Collaboration: Possibility to engage in international projects and collaborations, leveraging Thales's global presence and contributing to the wider Engineering Competence Centre network.

• Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in shaping Thales's future engineering capabilities and operational strategies in test and verification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential for individuals aiming for senior engineering leadership positions. The emphasis on global collaboration and cross-domain exposure is a key differentiator for career development within a multinational corporation like Thales.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with flexibility for home working. The role is based in a Thales UK site (Glasgow is primary, but other sites like Crawley, Reading, Bristol, Cheadle are possibilities), implying a professional office setting for collaborative activities.

Office Location(s): The role is advertised with flexibility across multiple Thales sites in the UK, including Glasgow, Crawley, Reading, Bristol, Cheadle, Templecombe, and Belfast. This offers geographical flexibility for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, suggesting an environment that encourages interaction and teamwork.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced engineering tools, PXI-based test equipment, and data analytics platforms is implied.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior management within the ECC-UK and broader Thales engineering community.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours apply, with a strong emphasis on flexibility. This allows for adaptation to project demands while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for sustained operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with multiple location options indicates a modern, adaptable work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and productivity, while still valuing in-person collaboration for strategic and team-based activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on experience in test engineering management, PXI, IVVQ, and leadership.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion on your experience, leadership style, technical expertise in test and verification, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Technical/Panel Interview: In-depth assessment of your knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle, PXI architecture, IVVQ processes, and your approach to managing engineering teams and projects. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of relevant work examples, focusing on process improvements, project delivery, team management, and system lifecycle oversight.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase instances where you led teams to successfully deliver complex test solutions, managed stakeholder expectations, and drove process improvements.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as reductions in test cycle time, improvements in test coverage, cost savings, or successful IVVQ outcomes.

• PXI & IVVQ Focus: Provide specific examples of projects involving PXI architecture and comprehensive IVVQ activities, detailing your role and contributions.

• Process Optimization: Present case studies of how you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions to improve test engineering processes and operational effectiveness.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to understand, and directly relevant to the requirements of the Test Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle common challenges in test engineering management, such as resource constraints, technical roadblocks, stakeholder conflicts, or project delays.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to think strategically about test engineering operations, aligning them with Thales's business objectives and industry best practices.

• Security Clearance Understanding: Be ready to discuss your understanding of security clearance requirements and your eligibility for SC clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical depth in test operations and strategic leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio demonstrating quantifiable results and process improvements will be crucial for showcasing suitability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• PXI Systems: Deep familiarity with PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) hardware and software platforms (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW, TestStand) is essential for managing test solutions.

• Test Automation Software: Experience with platforms like TestStand, LabVIEW, or similar environments for developing and managing automated test sequences.

• System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Tools: Familiarity with various SDLC methodologies and associated tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) for managing project progression.

• Configuration Management Tools: Experience with tools for managing hardware and software configurations for complex test systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analytics Platforms: Proficiency in using data analytics tools to monitor performance metrics, identify trends, and generate reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal Thales analytics tools).

• Performance Monitoring Software: Experience with tools that track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to test execution, defect rates, and project delivery timelines.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise performance reports for senior management and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or internal Thales equivalents for team communication and document sharing.

• Potential use of internal Thales systems: Familiarity with existing Thales group-wide engineering and operations management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on PXI architecture and specific test automation software indicates a need for deep technical operational understanding in this specialized area. A strong grasp of data analytics for performance monitoring is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality test solutions that meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance test processes, efficiency, and effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of internal and external customers by delivering reliable and effective test solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with other engineering disciplines (hardware, software, systems), project management, quality assurance, and business lines to ensure seamless integration of test operations.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication channels to facilitate problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Utilizing performance data and analytics to drive constructive discussions and decision-making within the team and with stakeholders.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: A culture that supports experienced members in mentoring junior engineers and facilitating the transfer of specialized knowledge, especially in areas like PXI and IVVQ.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales's industry context implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and a strong ethical framework. The emphasis on continuous improvement and collaboration suggests an environment where proactive problem-solving and team synergy are highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Systems: Overseeing test operations for highly complex, integrated systems within regulated environments presents significant technical and logistical challenges.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders across different business units and levels of the organization.

• Resource Optimization: Effectively allocating and managing skilled resources (personnel, equipment, budget) to meet project demands while controlling costs.

• Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in test technologies and methodologies, such as PXI advancements and new automation techniques.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Ensuring all team members meet and maintain the necessary security clearance levels for sensitive projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in PXI, advanced test automation, and emerging verification technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management and leadership skills through internal Thales programs and external courses.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in relevant industry events to stay abreast of best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Thales or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across Thales's varied domains (aerospace, defence, security, space) provides broad exposure and skill diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior engineering management roles in defence and aerospace, emphasizing the need for robust problem-solving skills and strategic planning. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Thales's global reach and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex test system development lifecycle from start to finish. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on PXI, IVVQ, lifecycle management)

• "How would you approach optimizing the test engineering processes within the ECC-UK to improve cost and schedule adherence?" (Highlight process improvement, data analytics, efficiency)

• "Tell me about your experience managing and developing engineering teams. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and talent growth?" (Focus on leadership, talent management, culture)

• "How do you manage conflicting priorities and demands from multiple stakeholders across different business units?" (Demonstrate stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Thales and this specific role within the Engineering Competence Centre?" (Research Thales's mission, values, and recent projects)

• "How would you ensure adherence to Thales's governance framework and quality assurance standards within your team?" (Emphasize process, compliance, and quality mindset)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: Start with an overview of your leadership philosophy, then present 2-3 key case studies that best highlight your experience in managing test engineering operations, PXI systems, IVVQ, process improvement, and team leadership.

• Quantify impact: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your solution, your role, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % reduction in test time, % improvement in defect detection, cost savings).

• Focus on strategic contributions: As a manager, emphasize your role in strategy, planning, process development, and team enablement rather than just individual technical tasks.

• Be prepared for deep dives: Have detailed information ready about the PXI architectures, IVVQ processes, and challenges faced in your presented examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific technical areas like PXI and IVVQ in detail, alongside their leadership and operational management experience. Demonstrating an understanding of Thales's industry and commitment to security will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Thales Careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in engineering management, test and verification, PXI architecture, IVVQ, systems development lifecycle, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Assemble relevant case studies and examples that showcase your process improvement initiatives, project delivery success, and team management capabilities, with a focus on quantifiable results.

• Research Thales: Understand Thales's core businesses (Aerospace, Defence, Security, Space), its commitment to innovation, and its values.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, technical expertise, problem-solving, and your understanding of operational efficiency in engineering.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.