Avionics – Test Engineering Manager

Callen-Lenz

Lead Avionics & Test department within aerospace technology firm Callen-Lenz, improving engineering processes and team development. Oversee resource management and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Posted 6/16/2026full-timeSalisbury • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage deployment of the Avionics & Test team according to resource demand from across the delivery streams.
Responsible for the continuous improvement of our processes and tools in the Avionics & Test department.
Responsible for the pastoral care and career development for the department.
Lead the Avionics & Test department, including: Functional & Capability Leadership.
Guide, or lead where appropriate, the team in their technical duties.
Define and communicate “what good looks like” for avionics, integration, and test engineering across the organisation.
Establish and maintain processes, standards, best practices, and technical governance aligned to industry (e.g. DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754) where applicable.
Establish and maintain fit-for-purpose tools for the Avionics & Test department, integrated with the rest of Engineering and the wider business.
Promote cross-discipline collaboration (systems, air vehicle, software, manufacturing) to improve integration outcomes.
Lead major technical reviews and assurance activities to ensure performance, safety, and airworthiness of delivered systems.
Identify and remove inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and duplication across engineering workflows.
Allocate and prioritise avionics & test engineers across delivery streams based on programme priorities and project demand signals.
Maintain clear visibility of department allocation, utilisation, and skills coverage to ensure effective execution.
Act as escalation point for delivery risks relating to avionics integration and test activities.
Identify capability gaps and drive recruitment, training, and upskilling plans to build a high-performing, future-ready team.
Coach, mentor and develop staff, including goal setting, performance management, and regular 1:1 engagement.
Monitor team wellbeing and workload, ensuring sustainable pace and effective pastoral care.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in Aerospace, Electronics, Systems Engineering, or related field.
Demonstrable experience of leading and managing an engineering team.
Demonstrable experience of technical leadership and engineering line management within aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated industry.
Experience across the whole engineering lifecycle, from concept through manufacturing and in-service to disposal.
Strong background in avionics, electronics, systems integration, or test engineering, with a solid understanding of aircraft systems.
Strong people leadership capability, including performance management, coaching, and team development.
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with Project Managers, Chief Engineers, other functional managers, and senior leadership.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and engineering excellence.
Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK.
Capable leader.
Excellent communicator.
Excellent problem-solving ability.
Ability to work well in a team.
Ability to commit to occasional national and international travel.
A full valid UK driving license.
Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK.

Benefits

Comp & perks

25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
Pension Scheme via Royal London Company contributed
Share Incentive Plan.
Green Car Scheme
Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
Private Health Insurance via Bupa
Private Dental insurance via Bupa
Enhanced Maternity and paternity
1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
1 paid volunteering day per year
Access to an independent financial advisor year round
Training & development opportunities

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Hard Skills & Tools

avionicselectronicssystems integrationtest engineeringengineering lifecycleperformance managementcoachingteam developmenttechnical leadershipengineering line management

Soft Skills

people leadershipstakeholder managementcommunicationproblem-solvingteamworkmentoringgoal settingperformance managementwellbeing monitoringpastoral care

Certifications

degree in Aerospace Engineeringdegree in Electronics Engineeringdegree in Systems EngineeringSecurity Clearance