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Test Engineer - Ground

Helsing· Hardware Engineering
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Londonfull-timePosted 3w ago

About the role

Ground-side test engineer focusing on pre-flight de-risking, launch system validation, and ground-based testing infrastructure to de-risk airworthiness and regulatory compliance for launch systems and control links.

Responsibilities

  • Pre-Flight De-risking: Executing high-repetition "burn-in" tests on all new firmware and hardware configurations for the Ground Control Station and data links.
  • Launch System Validation: Engineering tests for mechanical launch systems to ensure repeatable, safe exit velocities and structural integrity.
  • The "Iron Bird" Connection: Acting as the link to the IRB Team by maintaining a ground-based "Iron Bird" to test system-wide reactions to simulated component failures .
  • Regression Library: Building 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: Generating technical "De-risking Reports" and managing relevant testing cards in JIRA .

Qualifications

  • 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 sniff and analyse 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) "torture tests" on supporting hardware to ensure field survivability.
  • Diagnostic Tooling: Skilled in the use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, and network protocol analysers to perform root-cause analysis on ground-side hardware failures.

Skills

Required:Ground Control Stations (GCS)Pneumatic/mechanical launchersTracking antenna arraysHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)Vibration testingThermal testingEMI testingOscilloscopesSpectrum analyzersNetwork protocol analyzers

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • 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
  • 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
  • Hands-on onboarding program (Infraduction) to build tooling and applications used across the company
Last updated Oct 6, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Helsing

Helsing | Artificial intelligence to protect our democracies

AI for electronic warfareAI-enabled precision mass and autonomous systemsAutonomous air dominanceMass defence manufacturingRecce strike softwareUnderwater autonomous massliquid-ai-recruiting-target
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