Validation & Test Engineer

An unmanned aircraft improves only as fast as it can be tested. You'll set that pace, from the rigs you design and build yourself to the failure investigations that change the next design. Minerva Defence is one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in Europe. We create the software, hardware and networking that make unmanned systems effective on the modern battlefield, all ideated, designed and manufactured end-to-end in the UK, and in active use today. We are deliberately low-profile: a team of around 60, small in headcount and outsized in effect. We look for people who are not just talented but genuinely committed to the work, the team, and the purpose behind it. This is a senior, hands-on role. You'll own validation from test concept through execution and analysis, and your findings will feed straight into design decisions rather than sitting in a report queue. You'll build bespoke rigs and equipment instead of inheriting a fixed lab, and the testing is varied: mechanical, environmental, durability, reliability. You'll work alongside the design engineers whose hardware you're testing, split your week between the workshop and the data, and have real autonomy to develop new validation capabilities as the team grows. When the product gets better, it will often be because of a test you designed. Responsibilities Develop and execute validation plans that verify product performance, reliability and compliance against design requirements Design and build test rigs, fixtures and equipment to support verification and validation Plan and run Design of Experiments to evaluate performance and identify the key design drivers Execute functional, environmental, durability and reliability testing using accurate, repeatable methods Capture, analyse and interpret test data, producing clear reports and recommendations Investigate test failures through structured root cause analysis, working with design engineers on corrective actions Maintain validation procedures, test specifications and documentation so results stay traceable and repeatable Improve validation methods, equipment and laboratory capability over time Minimum: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline Experience planning and executing product validation or verification testing Working knowledge of test methodologies, data analysis and Design of Experiments Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and producing technical test reports Eligible for UK SC clearance (UK citizen or 5+ years UK residency) Preferred: Experience designing and building test rigs or bespoke validation equipment Knowledge of reliability engineering, environmental testing and accelerated life testing Experience with statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, MATLAB or Python Familiarity with product development processes, including verification and validation planning The job is demanding enough, so we try to take the everyday pressures off your plate. The benefits are built around that, starting with a genuine stake in what we are building. Share options vesting over three years, so you own a real piece of it Bupa private health, fully funded from day one 6% employer pension contribution 25 days leave plus bank holidays, and properly enhanced cover for both parents Enterprise level AI tooling, with as many tokens as you need to accelerate your work Relocation support if you are moving to join us, or a home office budget if you work remotely The full detail comes with your offer.