Principal Quality Test Engineer (Hardware)

• Establish hardware test methodologies protocols and standards across RF electronics networking and mechanical products.
• Define test coverage requirements acceptance criteria and quality gates for all product lines from prototype through production.
• Build scalable documented test processes that enable repeatable quality verification and traceability.

• Design and build the hardware test laboratory with appropriate instrumentation RF test equipment and automation capability.
• Own equipment selection calibration validation and maintenance across the test environment.
• Develop test automation to improve efficiency and reduce cycle time.

• Build and lead a growing hardware QA team attracting and developing high-calibre test engineers.
• Mentor engineers and establish a culture of quality discipline and technical excellence.
• Work closely with product engineering manufacturing and supply chain teams to translate quality requirements into scalable practical and repeatable processes.

• Lead hardware quality assurance and testing activities across all product lines and stages of development.
• Identify issues early escalate risks and provide the engineering team with actionable feedback.
• Ensure products meet specification reliability and performance standards before shipping.

Key skills experience and behaviours

• Extensive experience in hardware test engineering ideally gained across multiple domains (RF/communications custom electronics mechanical products or similar).
• Proven ability to establish test functions design test strategies and build scalable quality processes.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF instrumentation test equipment and measurement techniques.
• Practical understanding of electronics PCB validation signal integrity and mechanical product reliability.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments bringing structure rigour and clarity to complex technical challenges.
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Experience in defence aerospace communications or similarly demanding technical environments would be valuable but is not essential.
• An RF/CEMA/EW background would be useful but is not essential.

• You combine technical depth with sound engineering judgement and a relentless focus on quality and reliability.
• You are energised by the opportunity to build and lead a new capability within a fast-growing mission-focused company.
• You thrive in an environment with high levels of ownership autonomy and accountability.
• You are committed to working from Rowdens Bristol HQ at least three days per week except where customer commitments require additional time.

Working at Rowden