Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer

Posting date:	13 May 2026
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	12 June 2026
Location:	DT5
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Morson Talent
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	254881JNR-449571

Summary

Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer

Location: Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith (Hybrid/Flexible)
Salary: Competitive
Sector: Defence / Maritime Engineering

Overview
Morson Edge are recruiting on behalf of ATLAS UK for a Principal Test & Acceptance Engineer to join their growing engineering team.

This is a senior opportunity to lead test and acceptance activities across cutting-edge maritime and defence systems, supporting the delivery of innovative, high-performance products used in mission-critical environments.

You’ll play a key role in driving technical excellence, mentoring engineers, and shaping best practices across test and integration functions.

The Role

You will lead and deliver test activities across a range of complex engineering projects, ensuring systems are verified, validated, and ready for customer deployment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading test phases and major test events across projects
  
• Developing test plans, procedures, and schedules
  
• Managing test activities in line with budgets and timelines
  
• Performing and overseeing system testing, qualification, and verification
  
• Supporting system integration and “Set to Work” activities
  
• Analysing test data and producing detailed technical reports
  
• Reviewing and approving test documentation
  
• Ensuring compliance with internal processes and external standards (including safety)
  
• Supporting bid and project activities alongside the T&A Manager
  
• Driving continuous improvement and best practices across test teams
  
• Providing mentoring and technical leadership within the team
  Skills & Experience

  Essential:

  • Extensive experience in test, trials, and acceptance activities
    
  • Strong understanding of engineering lifecycles and processes
    
  • Experience in environmental testing
    
  • Knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical testing
    
  • Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and reports
    
  • Experience working with military or maritime systems
    
  • Familiarity with engineering standards (e.g. Def Stan, Mil-Spec)
    

    Desirable:

    • Experience in sectors such as defence, marine, aerospace, rail, or nuclear
      
    • Experience with requirements tools such as DOORS or DOORS NG
      
    • Specialist knowledge in an engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, acoustic, sonar, etc.)
      Qualifications
      • Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree in Engineering or a relevant scientific discipline
        
      • Membership of a professional body (e.g. IET or IMechE), or working towards
        Requirements
        • Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
          
        • Able to commute to Dorset Innovation Park
          Working Arrangements & Benefits
          • Flexible working options (including part-time or condensed hours)
            
          • Supportive environment promoting work-life balance
            
          • Opportunity to work on advanced defence technologies
            
          • Ongoing training and professional development
            

            This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Test & Acceptance Engineer looking to step into a leadership role within a highly specialised and impactful engineering environment.