Hardware Systems Engineer in Colchester

We’re building something powerful. Let’s build it together. We’ve delivered high-performance embedded computing solutions for four decades across industries including defence, telecoms, and aerospace.

The Senior Hardware Test Engineer is responsible for defining, developing, and supporting automated test systems that enable efficient and scalable production of embedded computing hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage early in PCB/board design reviews to define Design for Testability (DfT) requirements and influence product architecture.
• Capture, document, and maintain ATE requirements aligned with product and production needs.
• Work collaboratively with software ATE engineers to define and develop the overall ATE architecture (hardware, software, instrumentation, fixtures).
• Specify and design hardware elements of ATE systems, including fixtures, ITAs, harnesses, interface boards, and switching.
• Support development of automated test sequences and diagnostic routines with software ATE teams.
• Provide technical leadership through NPI, pilot builds, and full-scale production.
• Troubleshoot test failures, perform root-cause investigations, and drive yield and throughput improvements.
• Validate and qualify ATE systems before release to manufacturing.
• Maintain clear documentation: test procedures, interface schematics, wiring diagrams, and maintenance guides.
• Provide ongoing support for deployed ATE, including upgrades, calibration strategies, and process improvements.

What do I need to bring with me?

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of electronic hardware: digital/analog circuits, power sequencing, timing, and high-speed interfaces.
• Proven experience developing or supporting Automated Test Equipment in a production environment.
• Ability to define and influence test requirements early in product design.
• Experience collaborating with software ATE developers to build integrated test platforms.
• Proficiency with test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, PSUs, DAQ, signal generators, analyzers, switching hardware).
• Familiarity with test automation tools/languages (LabVIEW, Python, C/C++).
• Experience with DfT, boundary-scan (JTAG), BIST, and diagnostic firmware features.
• Strong troubleshooting and fault-isolation capability.
• Strong documentation and requirements-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with hardware, firmware, software, production, and quality teams.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with embedded computing systems or complex multilayer PCBs.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (SMT, assembly, ICT, AOI, functional test).
• Understanding of reliability analysis, yield improvement, or FRACAS systems.
• Ability to design simple custom electronics for test fixtures or adapters.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, industrial computing, or other high-reliability environments.
• Experience planning test capacity and designing ATE systems for production scaling and throughput growth.

Benefits for Working at Concurrent:

• 25 days holidays + bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme.
• Annual profit share bonus.
• Cycle to work, Home & Tech and car salary sacrifice schemes.
• Death in service benefit & income protection.
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Generous company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• One paid volunteering day per year.
• Private Health Insurance through Bupa.
• YuLife wellbeing app.

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team. We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age. Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.