Product Acceptance Test Lead

Location:

United Kingdom, Whiteley, Hampshire, GB

DTC | A Codan Company develops advanced wireless communication technology used in some of the world's most demanding environments.

From software-defined radios and high-performance wireless networks to communications for defence, uncrewed systems, government and broadcast applications, our engineers work on complex products where software, electronics and RF come together.

We’re looking for a Product Acceptance Test Team Lead to lead the team that validates updates to our wireless communication products before they are released.

When a new firmware release or waveform is introduced, you’ll help establish whether the new functionality works as intended and whether the rest of the product continues to perform as it should. This is a hands‑on engineering role focused on validating products during development, rather than routine testing of individual units after manufacture.

You’ll lead a small team of test engineers, taking responsibility for the test approach while remaining closely involved in practical testing and fault investigation.

• Designing test plans, procedures, setups and acceptance criteria for product updates
• Leading the validation of firmware, embedded software and waveform releases
• Testing wireless communication products and integrated systems to identify functional and performance issues
• Carrying out hands‑on testing using radio, network and RF test equipment
• Investigating failures and working with engineering teams to understand their causes
• Improving and documenting our product acceptance test processes
• Identifying opportunities to automate repeatable tests
• Planning team activities and providing test effort estimates for projects
• Supporting field trials and customer acceptance activities when required

You’ll initially lead two existing team members, with a third expected to join the team. You’ll work closely with colleagues across RF, electronics, FPGA, firmware, software and DSP engineering.

We’re interested in someone who can bring structure to complex testing, lead a small team and still enjoy getting hands‑on with the products.

• Experience in product testing, verification, validation or acceptance testing of wireless communication systems
• A sound understanding of RF and wireless fundamentals
• Experience designing test processes, setups, plans and procedures
• The ability to investigate problems across software, hardware, RF and networking
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with engineers from different disciplines
• Experience guiding other engineers or taking technical ownership of a test function

Experience with RF receivers or wireless products would be particularly relevant. Your background could be in broadcast, defence communications, telecoms or another sector involving complex radio systems. You don’t need to be a specialist RF designer.

Experience in any of the following would be valuable:

• IP networking and wireless networking
• Using spectrum analysers, signal generators or power meters
• Network diagnostic and packet‑analysis tools
• Developing automated tests or test utilities using Python, C, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar tools
• Planning or participating in field trials

You’ll test sophisticated products where software, electronics, RF and networking all affect real-world performance.

You’ll shape how product updates are validated, improve the team’s test processes and help ensure releases are ready for customers.

You’ll lead and develop a small team while staying involved in test design, practical testing and technical problem‑solving.

You’ll collaborate with…