At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on testing and fault-finding on high-tech products.
- Company: Join a growing, innovative engineering business in Horsham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative team environment, and opportunities for influence.
- Why this job: Work on exciting projects that make a real difference in industry and defence.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with electrical systems and strong documentation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.
Join a growing, high‑tech engineering business in Horsham as a Hardware Test Engineer, working on complex electro‑optical‑mechanical products used in demanding industrial and defence applications. You’ll be a key part of the Test Department, carrying out hands‑on testing, fault‑finding and documentation to ensure products are delivered right first time.
The Role
- Reporting to the Test Engineering Manager, you will:
- Carry out Factory Acceptance Tests on components, sub‑assemblies and complete systems using standard test equipment (power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes).
- Perform manual testing of electrical and electro‑mechanical systems and accurately record results.
- Fault‑find down to board or module level to diagnose production and design issues.
- Help create and improve test procedures and FAT documents for new product launches.
- Support production and quality teams with test and integration activities when required.
- Ensure all work complies with company procedures, H&S regulations and the Quality Manual.
- Maintain clear, accurate documentation in line with ISO 9001 standards.
- Contribute to good housekeeping in the lab/workshop and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide occasional support to field service activities.
About You
- Essential:
- Strong hands‑on knowledge of manual testing of electrical and electro‑mechanical systems.
- Confident writing clear test plans and FATs for new and existing products.
- Able to read and work from complex technical drawings, wiring diagrams and PCB schematics.
- Experience of manual test and system integration in a production environment.
- ONC (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering.
- Competent with Microsoft Word and Excel, and comfortable communicating with both technical and non‑technical colleagues.
- Desirable:
- PCB testing and fault‑finding experience.
- Understanding of digital camera and video protocols.
- Exposure to automated test software and/or PLC programming.
- Experience with CAD tools and communication protocols.
- Awareness of networking and network infrastructure.
Why Apply?
- Salary £35,000 – £40,000 depending on experience.
- Opportunity to work on varied, technically interesting products.
- Visible role within a small, collaborative Test team with room to influence processes and improvements.
If you’re a practical, detail‑driven Test Engineer who enjoys fault‑finding and improving how things are done, please apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Hardware Test Engineer employer: Holt Engineering
Contact Detail:
Holt Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on! When you’re in the interview, show off your practical skills. Bring examples of past projects or testing experiences that highlight your fault-finding abilities. We love seeing how you tackle real-world problems!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just talk about your technical skills; demonstrate them! If you can, ask to do a quick test or troubleshooting exercise during the interview. This will give us a chance to see your thought process and problem-solving skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your documentation skills. We value clear communication, so be prepared to explain how you’ve created test plans or FAT documents in the past. It’s all about showing us you can keep things organised and compliant with standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how we approach continuous improvement. It’ll help you stand out as an engaged candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with electrical and electro-mechanical systems. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or experiences!
Craft a Clear Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about hardware testing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, mention specific tools and techniques you’ve used in testing and fault-finding. We love seeing candidates who can confidently discuss their technical knowledge and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the standard test equipment mentioned in the job description, like power supplies, DMMs, and oscilloscopes. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Master the Documentation
Brush up on writing clear test plans and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs). Bring examples of your previous documentation to the interview, as this will demonstrate your ability to maintain accurate records in line with ISO 9001 standards.
✨Showcase Your Fault-Finding Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've diagnosed production or design issues down to board or module level. Highlighting your problem-solving skills will resonate well with the interviewers, especially in a role focused on fault-finding.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical colleagues, showcasing your communication skills can set you apart from other candidates.