Apprentice - Test Engineer

Apprentice - Test Engineer

Apprenticeship 18000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support testing and validation of innovative green technology products.
  • Company: Join Cosmic Equipment UK, a leader in the green revolution tech space.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical cover, 26 days leave, and pension scheme.
  • Other info: Enjoy a friendly workplace culture with regular social events and excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in electronics while contributing to impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: A-Level or BTEC in Engineering or Electronics; passion for learning essential.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.

About Cosmic Equipment UK: Cosmic Equipment UK is a growing company in an exciting high technology area at the forefront of new developments powering the green revolution. We are a dedicated, engineering-based organisation with the skills to meet the demanding needs of our growing customer base of semiconductor device manufacturers around the world. We develop solutions for testing challenging new green power technologies such as GaN and SiC, as well as for the latest generation of MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, SCR’s and bipolars. Headquartered in the UK, with applications and support facilities in Malaysia and Japan. We have a track record of investing in our people and work hard to ensure that all our staff are well informed, well trained and well-motivated to be completely responsive to our customer needs.

About the role: The Apprentice Test Engineer supports the testing, verification, and validation of company products to ensure all systems meet required specifications prior to shipment. The role provides hands-on training and practical experience across bench testing, system testing, calibration, and fault finding, while developing a strong foundation in electronic engineering principles. Working alongside experienced engineers, the apprentice will contribute to product quality, continuous improvement initiatives, and efficient test processes, gaining exposure to real-world engineering environments and practices. You will report to the Test Manager, who will have primary oversight of your role. While supporting both Test and Application activities, your time will be allocated in line with business priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform testing and verification of products in line with defined specifications
  • Carry out bench, module, and system testing, including customer returns
  • Assist in fault finding and repair of products at component level
  • Investigate and support resolution of test failures and malfunctions
  • Support calibration of precision equipment following defined procedures
  • Contribute feedback to Engineering to support product improvement
  • Assist in developing improved test methods and processes
  • Maintain accurate documentation and test records
  • Support in managing workload and system deadlines as assigned
  • Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements and contribute to a safe working environment

Core Competencies:

Technical

  • Basic understanding of electronic components (e.g. resistors, diodes, transistors)
  • Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams (developing)
  • Awareness of PCB assembly and component-level repair techniques
  • Familiarity with test equipment and structured testing processes (desirable)
  • Strong attention to detail in testing and documentation

Personal

  • Willingness to learn and develop technical skills
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Good organisational skills and ability to follow processes
  • Proactive and positive attitude
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Effective communication skills

Experience:

Essential

  • A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent in Engineering, Electronics, or related field (or working towards)
  • Strong interest in electronics, testing, or engineering environments
  • Commitment to completing an apprenticeship programme

Preferred

  • Previous hands-on experience (education, hobby, or work-based) in electronics is advantageous
  • Exposure to laboratory, workshop, or technical environments is beneficial
  • Experience not essential – full training will be provided

What’s in it for you:

This is a full-time Fixed Term position with competitive salary and excellent benefits. Comprehensive private medical cover including optical and dental support, giving you complete peace of mind. 26 days of annual leave plus all UK bank holidays. Convenient onsite parking for all employees, making your commute simple and stress-free. Regular social events, team activities, and company gatherings that help build a supportive, friendly workplace culture. A competitive pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing.

Apprentice - Test Engineer employer: ipTEST

Cosmic Equipment UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of green technology innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and generous leave, and a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and engagement, we ensure our team members are well-equipped and motivated to excel in their roles. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the semiconductor industry while enjoying a fulfilling career in a company that values its people.

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Contact Details:

ipTEST Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Test Engineer

Get Hands-On at Local Workshops

Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!

Join Engineering Societies and Clubs

Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!

Show Off Your Passion Online

Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!

Don’t Wait, Apply Early!

Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on ipTEST’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!

We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Test Engineer

Testing and Verification
Bench Testing
System Testing
Calibration
Fault Finding
Electronic Components Knowledge
Circuit Diagram Interpretation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at ipTEST, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!

Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at ipTEST and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!

Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at ipTEST to see your qualifications at a glance.

Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!

How to prepare for a job interview at ipTEST

Showcase Your Passion for Engineering

Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at ipTEST.

Get Hands-On with Technical Questions

Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!

Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills

Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at ipTEST.

Ask About Learning Opportunities

Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at ipTEST, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.