At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative testing projects in electrification and advanced technologies.
- Company: Join Castrol, a global leader in lubricants with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with world-class facilities and exciting career paths.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of mobility and energy technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years of hands-on experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Castrol is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, serving customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Castrol brands are recognised globally for their premium quality and high performance, shaped by the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting‑edge technology. With products sold in more than 150 countries, Castrol has helped keep things moving on roads and racetracks, air, sea, and space for over 125 years.
About the Team
At Castrol, we don’t just make fluids, we help define the future of mobility, energy and digital infrastructure. The Advanced Electrification Testing (AET) team sits within Castrol’s Technology organisation and plays a critical role in supporting Research & Product Development by generating real-world performance data on lubricants, thermal management fluids and cooling technologies. Our mission is to understand how liquids perform inside the systems they are designed to protect and optimise, from electric vehicle batteries and ultra‑fast chargers to high‑performance data centres and advanced electronics.
As part of a major investment programme, Castrol’s Pangbourne Technology Centre is evolving into a centre of excellence for electrification and energy technologies. The team operates world‑class testing facilities including battery cell, module and pack laboratories, high‑voltage charging systems, immersion cooling tanks, data centre server environments and large‑scale thermal management test rigs.
This is a team for engineers who are naturally curious. You’ll work in an environment that combines the freedom of university‑style research with the pace and impact of commercial product development. One day you may be investigating battery cooling performance, the next developing new testing methodologies for data centre technologies or semiconductor cooling systems. You’ll join a highly collaborative group of engineers, technicians, graduates and researchers who are passionate about solving complex engineering challenges. We are looking for individuals who love understanding how things work, enjoy getting hands‑on with equipment, and want to help create the next generation of high‑performance technologies.
Key Tasks
- As a Senior Engineer, you will lead research and development testing projects from concept through to final technical recommendations, working closely with internal stakeholders, technology experts and external partners.
- Leading end-to-end testing and engineering projects supporting Castrol’s research and product development programmes.
- Designing, building, commissioning and operating advanced test rigs and experimental systems.
- Developing innovative testing methodologies for emerging technologies across electric vehicles, batteries, charging infrastructure and data centres.
- Designing experiments using statistical Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques and ensuring data quality and repeatability.
- Performing advanced data analysis and translating results into meaningful engineering insights and recommendations.
- Working hands-on with high-voltage systems, instrumentation, thermal management equipment and power electronics.
- Supporting the installation, operation and continuous improvement of testing facilities and equipment.
- Acting as a subject matter expert in one or more areas such as battery systems, thermal management, data centres, cooling technologies, power electronics or DC power systems.
- Collaborating with OEMs, technology partners and internal stakeholders to deliver co-engineered solutions.
- Coaching and mentoring engineers, technicians, graduates and interns while acting as a technical role model within the team.
- Identifying new technologies, testing opportunities and research directions that strengthen Castrol’s innovation capability.
- Representing Castrol externally through technical engagement with customers, industry partners and research organisations.
- Maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational excellence and engineering integrity across all activities.
Experience Required
We’re looking for an experienced, hands‑on engineer with a passion for experimentation, problem‑solving and developing new technologies. You will typically bring:
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in a professional engineering environment or equivalent in academia.
- A strong background in engineering testing, experimental design and data-driven problem solving.
- Experience designing, building or operating complex test equipment and test rigs.
- Exposure to safety‑critical or operational engineering environments.
- Knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems (typically >60V DC) and safe working practices.
- Strong technical reporting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to work autonomously while leading projects and influencing technical direction.
- A curiosity-driven mindset and a genuine passion for engineering and technology.
Expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- Electric vehicle propulsion systems
- Battery technologies
- Thermal management and cooling systems
- Data centre technologies
- DC power systems
- Power electronics
- Electronics and instrumentation
Desirable experience includes:
- Master’s degree, PhD or progression towards Chartered Engineer status.
- Experience of battery thermal management, immersion cooling or liquid cooling technologies.
- Knowledge of semiconductor or chip cooling applications.
- Experience with advanced measurement techniques, data analytics or CAE tools.
- Published technical papers or involvement in research programmes.
- Experience gained within automotive, battery, aerospace, power, data centre or advanced research environments.
This role is ideal for engineers who want more than a traditional testing position. If you’re excited by the opportunity to innovate, develop new ideas, work across batteries, data centres, charging systems and emerging technologies, and have access to world‑class facilities to turn concepts into reality, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Engineer – Applied Engineering & Testing in Pangbourne employer: Castrol
At Castrol, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and employee engagement. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and development, offering unique opportunities for career advancement while making a meaningful impact across our global workforce. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise in employee experience and analytics will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer – Applied Engineering & Testing in Pangbourne
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer – Applied Engineering & Testing in Pangbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Engineer – Applied Engineering & Testing, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Castrol a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Castrol specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Castrol
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Castrol, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Castrol want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
