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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Test and ensure hardware products meet safety and performance standards for national security.
- Company: Join HMGCC, a key player in the UK's national security engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25+ days leave, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by contributing to technology that protects the nation.
- Qualifications: Relevant scientific qualification or experience in hardware testing disciplines.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentoring, gym access, and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
HMGCC, Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom. Hardware Test Engineer role. Full-time, 37 hours per week with flexible or compressed patterns. Role based in the office.
Responsibilities
- Design and perform vital lab-based development testing to ensure products meet agreed specification, performance, safety and reliability criteria.
- Work with development and engineering teams to address problems early and contribute to best practice within the test community.
- Contribute to test approach across a broad range of technologies and stages in the life cycle; test analogue and digital communications, IT and networking components, PCBs, modules, sub-systems or complete systems.
- Assist with preparation of verification test specifications in conjunction with design teams; assess hardware products and systems and interface with customer systems.
- De-risk products and developments by providing analysis and opinion during development verification and validation.
- Perform detailed manual tests and measurements on prototypes and representative final designs; prepare physical test jigs and harnesses and run automated test scripts.
- Document and record results in accordance with data management and development policies.
Qualifications
To apply, you will already have:
- A relevant scientific qualification OR experience in at least two disciplines: Audio and Acoustics; RF; Telecommunications systems (PSTN/ISDN); Cellular & Wireless systems (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth); Satellite Communications; Video systems; ability to perform and interpret technical measurements in a lab with instruments such as voltmeters/ammeters, audio generators/analysers, RF signal generators, spectrum/ network analysers, Software Defined Radios.
- Familiarity with automated test environments (e.g., LabVIEW) and software languages (e.g., Python).
- Knowledge of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS); ability to understand circuit schematics; ability to work within Agile development methodologies.
Beneficial additional capabilities:
- Experience with automated test environments and scripting; familiarity with LabVIEW or similar.
- Knowledge of GPS, Galileo or GLONASS; ability to read circuit schematics; Agile methodology experience.
Your personal skills
You will be the type of person who:
- Has a critical thinking and methodical mindset.
- Desires to improve testing practices within the team and wider testing profession.
- Seeks continuous learning and improvement of own knowledge and skills.
- Enjoys working with complex systems and has a keen eye for detail.
- Is passionate about technology and current trends; can communicate with colleagues at all levels across disciplines.
Putting your skills to use
Using your diverse skills within a development team, you will:
- Assist with preparation of verification test specifications with design teams.
- Assess hardware products and systems, including interfacing with customer systems.
- De-risk products and developments by providing analysis during verification and validation.
- Perform detailed manual tests and measurements on prototypes and final designs; document results.
- Assist in preparation of test jigs/harnesses and automated test scripts; follow strategies and specifications.
- Document/record results according to policies and methodologies.
What we Offer
Now that we’ve explained what you will do, here’s what we can offer:
- A positive, collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years of service; 8 bank holidays; additional paid leave.
- Pension (Alpha). Competitive terms.
- Paid overtime or time off in lieu; salary aligns with contracted hours.
- Flexible or compressed hours to support work-life balance.
- Paid parental/adoption leave and neonatal policy; training and mentoring opportunities.
- On-site amenities: free secure parking, gym (24 hours), bike-to-work scheme, nursery (subject to availability).
- Affirmative inclusion and diversity programs; multi-faith prayer room.
- Support for relocation (relocation loan available).
About HMGCC
We are HMGCC, engineering specialists at the heart of the UK’s national security. We work with the National Security Community, UK Government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to deliver tools and technologies to protect the nation. We invest in our people and support career growth and work-life balance.
We are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, disabilities, or neurodiversity. More about our culture and inclusion is on our website.
We offer an Interview Scheme to eligible candidates; interviews are based on meeting minimum criteria for the role.
Apply now. Our Recruitment Team will process applications after the role closes and provide responses to all applicants.
*Relocation discussions may be available for those moving to the area.
Seniority level
- Associate
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Information Technology, Product Management, and Engineering
- Industries: Telecommunications, Computer Hardware Manufacturing, and IT System Testing and Evaluation
We’re not advertising a generic vacancy. This is a real role with clear responsibilities and qualifications.
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Hardware Test Engineer employer: HMGCC
Contact Detail:
HMGCC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to hardware testing. Think about how your skills in RF, telecommunications, or any relevant tech can shine through in your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for technology! During interviews, share your thoughts on emerging trends in hardware testing and how you can contribute to best practices within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Hardware Test Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in hardware testing and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for contributing to national security – it’s a big deal for us!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to include any technical skills that are relevant to the position, like familiarity with lab instruments or programming languages. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and knowledge in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HMGCC
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hardware testing and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with analogue and digital communications, RF systems, and any lab instruments you might be using. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely understands the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions during your interview. Practice explaining your experience with tools like oscilloscopes or spectrum analysers, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a hardware test engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your critical thinking and methodical approach. Prepare examples of how you've proactively addressed problems in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your contributions.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with development and engineering teams, so be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a supportive team environment.
