Test Engineer - Ground
About this role
Engineers who thrive on hardware reliability and rigorous safety testing will find a natural home at Helsing, a defence AI organisation based in London. The ground-side engineering team focuses on de-risking complex aerial systems before flight, shifting failure detection from expensive flight tests to controlled laboratory environments. This position exists to professionalize ground-side testing, ensuring launch systems, data links, and Ground Control Stations meet strict airworthiness requirements. Candidates who possess a meticulous approach to hardware validation, protocol analysis, and environmental stress testing will succeed in shaping the safety and compliance standards of mission-critical defense technology.
What you will do
- Execute high-repetition burn-in tests on new firmware and hardware configurations for Ground Control Stations and data links prior to flight.
- Conduct engineering tests on mechanical launch systems to verify repeatable, safe exit velocities and overall structural integrity.
- Maintain a ground-based Iron Bird to test system-wide reactions to simulated component failures in coordination with the IRB team.
- Build a comprehensive regression library of ground-side edge cases and failure modes that must pass before sub-system flight clearance.
- Generate technical de-risking reports and manage relevant testing cards within JIRA.
What you need
- Demonstrate deep technical understanding of Ground Control Stations, pneumatic or mechanical launchers, tracking antenna arrays, and ruggedized power and control systems.
- Possess the ability to sniff and analyze communication protocols between ground and air systems to de-risk command-and-control latency and packet loss.
- Show experience building and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop environments to simulate flight triggers on the bench.
- Demonstrate competence in vibration, thermal, and electromagnetic interference torture tests on supporting hardware to guarantee field survivability.
- Apply diagnostic tooling including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network protocol analyzers to perform root-cause analysis on ground-side hardware failures.
Nice to have
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- Prior exposure to defense, dual-use, or regulated hardware in a test context
- Experience in an aerospace or defense environment operating under ITAR, EAR, or equivalent export control frameworks
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Yearly learning allowance of £450
- Gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Enhanced parental leave of 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
- 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy, and phased return to work
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the location and work setup for this role?
The role is based in London, England, United Kingdom. The company also offers family support including a 100% remote work option during pregnancy.
What relocation support is provided?
Relocation support includes up to €2,500 and 4 weeks of temporary accommodation. Employees also receive a hands-on onboarding program.
What perks and benefits are included?
Benefits include competitive salary and VSOP options, a yearly learning allowance of £450, gym membership, and mental health support. Additionally, the company provides enhanced parental leave and regular social events.
What does the day-to-day work involve?
Day-to-day duties involve executing high-repetition burn-in tests, engineering tests for mechanical launch systems, and maintaining a ground-based Iron Bird. Engineers also build a regression library of failure cases and generate technical de-risking reports.