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- Tasks: Join our team to enhance test systems with hands-on automation and controls expertise.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm in Darlington, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, healthcare cash plan, pension, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge test systems and work with talented engineers.
- Qualifications: STEM background with hands-on experience in test engineering and automation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented Test Systems Engineer (Automation & Controls) to join our Test Software Controls team based in Darlington, United Kingdom. This is a hands‑on test cell controls software role working with physical test systems, automation, controls, and instrumentation. It is not a traditional IT, software development, or software QA role.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
- Act as a technical partner to engineers and technicians, keeping engine and powertrain test systems running reliably through effective fault diagnosis and resolution across automation, controls, software, and hardware.
- Improve test efficiency, robustness, and data integrity by applying structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis across test cell systems, instrumentation, and automation.
- Operate, maintain, and develop instrumentation and data acquisition systems, ensuring test data is accurate, repeatable, and meets defined standards and test requirements.
- Support safe and compliant testing by interpreting test plans, configuring test setups correctly, communicating clearly with stakeholders, and contributing to continuous improvement activities.
To be successful in this role, you will need the following:
- Strong hands‑on experience with engine and/or powertrain test systems, including recognised platforms such as AVL PUMA and Concerto, covering test execution, automation, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
- Proven experience with test cell automation, controls, and communication protocols (e.g. CAN), including interaction between software, real‑time controls, instrumentation, and hardware interfaces.
- Practical knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems, with experience using I/O, sensors, and measurement hardware in a test environment.
- A structured, analytical approach to diagnosing system‑level issues across controls, hardware, instrumentation, and automation, with the ability to make sound technical decisions in complex environments.
- Clear, adaptable communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional teams.
A high school diploma/certificate of secondary education (or equivalent), ideally supported by experience in a relevant STEM discipline. Significant relevant experience gained through education, formal training, or hands‑on work within test engineering, automation, controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition environments.
Benefits include:
- The compensation for this role is aligned with a local bargained or unionised agreement.
- Healthcare cash plan / Pension / 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Test Systems Engineer (Automation & Controls) in Darlington employer: Cummins
Contact Detail:
Cummins Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Systems Engineer (Automation & Controls) in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on! If you can, try to get some practical experience with test systems or automation tools before your interview. It’ll give you a leg up and show that you're not just about theory.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which is golden!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of test cell automation and controls. Being able to discuss specific platforms like AVL PUMA will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Systems Engineer (Automation & Controls) in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Test Systems Engineer. Highlight your hands-on experience with engine and powertrain test systems, and don’t forget to mention any specific platforms like AVL PUMA or Concerto that you’ve worked with.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your practical knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems. We want to see how you've tackled real-world problems, so include examples of your structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
Communicate Clearly: Since this role involves collaboration with engineers and technicians, make sure your application reflects your clear and adaptable communication skills. Use straightforward language and be concise, showing us you can convey complex ideas simply.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cummins
✨Know Your Test Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of engine and powertrain test systems, especially platforms like AVL PUMA and Concerto. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these systems, as well as any troubleshooting or optimisation you've done.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your structured, analytical approach to diagnosing system-level issues. Think of specific examples where you've applied root-cause analysis in a test environment, and be ready to explain how you resolved complex problems.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration with engineers and technicians, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially when interpreting test plans or configuring setups.
✨Highlight Your Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the communication protocols relevant to the role, such as CAN. Be ready to talk about your practical knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and how you've used I/O, sensors, and measurement hardware in your previous work.