At a Glance
- Tasks: Assemble, inspect, and test innovative valve prototypes in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Company: Join Oliver Valves, a global leader in valve technology with over 45 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, pension scheme, medical cash plan, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and potential for career growth await you!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in R&D and make a real impact in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Hands-on skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude are essential.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week.
A fantastic opportunity has opened for an R&D Technician to join our team in Knutsford. This is a new position that will strengthen the existing team. Whether you are an experienced Mechanical Technician from a machine shop background or a motivated Engineering Graduate looking for a practical start in R&D, we want to hear from you.
About Us
With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an R&D Technician, you will be responsible for the assembly, inspection, and rigorous testing of prototype valves in accordance with industry and client specifications. Key duties include:
- Inspection: Detailed component inspection ensuring drawing compliance.
- Specialised Testing: Conducting hydrostatic, pneumatic, cryogenic, hyperbaric, and fire testing.
- Analysis: Interpreting test procedures and accurately recording results.
- Prototyping: Assembling and testing new valve designs in line with Engineering Procedures.
- Maintenance: Developing and maintaining R&D test equipment.
- Problem Solving: Performing detailed component inspections and shop-floor remedial work.
What You’ll Bring
Our ideal candidate is a proactive, hands-on professional who combines technical precision in valve testing and assembly with the analytical mindset needed to drive innovation within a fast-paced R&D environment. They will bring the following attributes to the role:
- Practical, hands on tool skills
- Can do attitude
- Attention to detail
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Office
- Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Good numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
What’s On Offer?
Here’s what you can expect as an R&D Technician with us:
- Competitive starting pay of £13.20 per hour, increasing to £13.50 after probation with further increases as your skills increase.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- Overtime opportunities at enhanced rates.
- Company pension scheme (4% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution).
- Medical cash plan (dental, optical, physio & more), Life Assurance (“Death in Service”) and Long Service Awards.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- 31 days of Annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
Ready to join a market leader? If you are looking to start your career, apply now.
R&D Technician in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
Oliver Valves is an exceptional employer located in Knutsford, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With over 45 years of industry leadership, we provide our R&D Technicians with competitive pay, comprehensive training, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a supportive team culture that values hands-on skills and a proactive attitude. Join us to be part of a company that not only rewards your contributions but also invests in your future through excellent benefits and a commitment to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Technician in Knutsford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time R&D Technician role you’re after at Oliver Valves Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Oliver Valves Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Oliver Valves Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like R&D Technician at Oliver Valves Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Technician in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like R&D Technician, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Oliver Valves Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Oliver Valves Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Oliver Valves Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Oliver Valves Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
