Test & Validation Engineer (Contract) in Leeds

Do you want to work with the 15th fastest-growing startup in Europe? If so, you’re in the right place. AssetCool is one of Europe’s fastest-growing startups, building the fastest path to more power on the grid. We’re tackling one of the most urgent challenges in the global energy transition: grid congestion. Electricity demand is rising fast; driven by electrification, AI and data centres. While traditional grid upgrades take years, demand exists today. The grid isn’t ready.

AssetCool delivers robotic grid upgrades that physically increase the capacity of existing transmission lines by up to 30%, without rebuilding infrastructure. Using advanced robotics and proprietary photonic coatings, we unlock data-centre-scale capacity in weeks to months, not years and at a fraction of the cost and disruption of conventional approaches. Our technology goes beyond capacity. We reduce losses, prevent corrosion, cut corona noise and generate high-value operational data that supports smarter grid operation and maintenance. Our systems are already deployed globally, and we just raised a big funding round from leading energy and climate investors. AssetCool is one of the most innovation-driven companies in the UK energy sector and we’re scaling fast! If you’re ambitious, mission-driven and excited to work on real deployments that strengthen the industry that really matters, AssetCool is where you can make it happen.

Role Overview

As a Test & Validation Engineer, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of our CapacityN robotic platforms. You will design and execute test plans, build test rigs, collect and analyse data, and provide clear feedback to design teams. This role requires strong hands-on skills, analytical thinking, and cross-disciplinary knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and execute test protocols for robotics and mechatronics subsystems including actuators, sensors, communication, control systems, and power components.
• Design and implement test rigs and fixtures for platform stress testing and validation in lab and field.
• Perform system-level reliability tests: endurance, vibration, and environmental, EMI/EMC.
• Collect, process, and analyse large test dataset; prepare reports with actionable insights for design teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, software development, and production engineers to close the loop between testing and product improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and applicable regulations.
• Support root cause analysis and troubleshooting during development and field deployment.
• Maintain test equipment, calibration, and documentation, and support establishing testing standards across development.

Key Skills and Experience

Required

• A Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Control Systems, Instrumentation Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in test & validation, R&D, systems engineering, ideally with hands-on experience of ground and aerial robotic systems.
• Strong practical experience in actuators, sensors, power electronics, embedded systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Experience with test automation and data analysis tools (MATLAB, LabView, Python) or similar tools.
• Familiarity with DAQ systems, load and torque sensing, IMU, and motion tracking.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and system block diagrams.
• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with robotics platforms (mobile robots, UAV, industrial automation).
• Familiarity with embedded systems and debugging hardware/software integration (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson).
• Knowledge of reliability engineering, FMEA, HALT/HASS testing.
• Understanding of operation and safety certification and standards (IEEE, ISO, IEC).
• Understanding of IP-rated enclosure design, vibration/thermal management, and EMI.
• Programming experience in C/C++ or Python for designing test workflows.

Why Join AssetCool?

• Work on groundbreaking technology revolutionizing the power grid.
• Fast-growing startup with significant industry traction and large-scale projects.
• Collaborative, innovation-driven team with exciting career growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary, and flexible work options.

Research shows that some candidates may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we're looking for, either for this role or another opportunity within our team.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or any specific requirements and need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We are not looking for agency support currently.