Principal Quality Test Engineer (Hardware)

We're building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments. Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 160 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe's fastest-growing engineering businesses. The Role We are building a dedicated hardware quality assurance capability and are looking for someone to lead it. As Principal Quality Test Engineer, you will establish and shape the function, defining test methodologies, building laboratory capability, growing the team, and setting the quality standards that underpin every hardware product we deliver. Our hardware portfolio spans technically demanding and varied domains: multi-frequency RF hardware (including custom software-defined radios), networked communication devices, custom electronics, and ruggedised mechanical products. You will develop the test practices, quality assurance processes, and laboratory capability needed to assure quality across this entire spectrum. This role sits at the heart of our product delivery, working closely with our VP Engineering, VP Product and Principal SW Test Engineer. Your work determines what ships to end users and the confidence we have in quality at every stage of the development cycle. This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at our Bristol HQ. Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance. More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels Key areas of responsibility Hardware test discipline and methods 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. Test laboratory and capability 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. Team and culture 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. Quality delivery 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 We are looking for someone with: 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. About you 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 Rowden's Bristol HQ at least three days per week, except where customer commitments require additional time. Working at Rowden We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are! We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants. Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible. Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!