Test Engineer - Ground

Job Overview

We are seeking a Test Engineer - Ground to join our Hardware Engineering team at Helsing, a defence AI company based in London. As a Test Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of our ground control systems.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for professionalizing our Ground-Side Engineering, focusing on de-risking and testing of our ground control systems. This role involves executing high-repetition burn-in tests, validating launch systems, and building a library of ground-side edge cases.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Flight De-risking: Execute high-repetition burn-in tests on new firmware and hardware configurations for the Ground Control Station and data links.
• Launch System Validation: Conduct engineering tests for mechanical launch systems to ensure repeatable, safe exit velocities and structural integrity.
• The Iron Bird Connection: Maintain a ground-based Iron Bird to test system-wide reactions to simulated component failures.
• Regression Library: Build a library of ground-side edge cases and failure cases that must be passed before any new sub-system is cleared for flight integration.
• Documentation of Proof: Generate technical De-risking Reports and manage relevant testing cards in JIRA.

Requirements

• Infrastructure & GSE Mastery: Deep technical understanding of Ground Control Stations (GCS), pneumatic/mechanical launchers, tracking antenna arrays, and ruggedized power and control systems.
• Interface & Protocol Testing: Ability to analyze communication protocols between ground and air (IRONBIRD) to de-risk command-and-control latency and packet loss.
• HIL/SIL Setup: Experience building and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) environments to simulate flight triggers on the bench.
• Environmental & Stress Testing: Competence in vibration, thermal, and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) testing on supporting hardware to ensure field survivability.
• Diagnostic Tooling: Skilled in the use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network protocol analyzers to perform root-cause analysis on ground-side hardware failures.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree (B.Sc. or B.Eng.) in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Prior exposure to defense, dual-use, or regulated hardware in a test context is strongly preferred.
• Experience in an aerospace or defense environment operating under ITAR/EAR or equivalent national defense export control frameworks is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and VSOP options
• Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
• Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
• Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
• Social: regular company events and monthly social allowances
• Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
• Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work