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- Tasks: Develop and execute experimental tests to generate high-quality engineering data.
- Company: Leading engineering organisation in regulated engineering and industrial automation.
- Benefits: Long-term contract with hands-on experience and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a safety-related programme and make a real impact in engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent in Science, Engineering, or related fields; hands-on testing experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading engineering organisation is seeking a hands-on Test Development Engineer to support the experimental testing phase of a major UK safety-related programme. This is a highly practical, engineering-focused role requiring experimental thinking, curiosity, and the ability to generate reliable, high-quality engineering data.
You will work across the full test development lifecycle - from concept and setup through to execution, data capture, analysis, and formal reporting. This work directly feeds into the wider technical evidence package submitted to the end client.
This position suits an analytical mind with experience working in development, R&D, manufacturing, or automation-driven environments.
Primary Purpose of the Role- Operate and develop test equipment within a manufacturing/testing environment.
- Run exploratory, experiment-driven tests to produce valid engineering data.
- Capture, interpret, and analyse data to generate formal reports.
- Apply the full development lifecycle in a structured and rigorous yet flexible manner.
- Experimental Test Development
- Plan, configure, and execute development tests using hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or automated equipment.
- Investigate behaviours, troubleshoot issues, and refine setups via iterative experimentation.
- Drive the data-gathering effort required for the project's evidence package.
- Data Acquisition & Analysis
- Configure instrumentation, sensors, and data capture systems.
- Perform structured analyses, validate engineering hypotheses, and identify trends.
- Convert test results into high-quality technical reports suitable for external stakeholders.
- Engineering & Automation
- Work with industrial automation systems, including PLC-controlled rigs.
- Operate test equipment safely and effectively to generate valid data.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and design teams.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Produce test plans, procedures, data logs, and technical reports.
- Maintain full traceability of data and configuration.
- Present findings clearly to engineering leads and programme managers.
- Qualification in Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Technology, Analytics, or Research (Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent).
- Strong hands-on experience with hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or automated test equipment.
- Ability to conduct experimental testing rather than follow predetermined scripts.
- Strong analytical capability and confidence interpreting technical data.
- Experience in development, R&D, manufacturing, or automation-driven environments.
- Competence producing structured technical reports from first principles.
- Operator-level knowledge of LabVIEW.
- Understanding of industrial automation or PLC-controlled systems.
- Exposure to regulated engineering environments.
- Background in structured scientific experimentation.
- Analytical, scientific mindset with a curiosity-driven approach.
- Methodical and detail-minded, especially with data quality.
- Clear written communicator comfortable producing formal evidence reports.
- Practical thinker capable of adapting test setups as needed.
- Collaborative, proactive, and able to resolve engineering challenges.
Interested? Click 'Apply' or email your CV directly - we'll contact you for a confidential chat about the role and your experience.
Test Development Engineer employer: Progressive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Progressive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Development Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you're applying for a Test Development Engineer role, make sure to showcase your practical experience with test equipment. Talk about specific projects where you’ve set up tests or troubleshot issues. This shows you’re not just book-smart but also ready to dive into the nitty-gritty.
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Reach out to professionals in the engineering and automation fields. Attend industry events or join online forums. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips on what employers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in and let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Development Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your practical experience with hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or automated test equipment. We want to see how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios, so don't hold back on the details!
Be Analytical and Curious: Since this role requires an experimental mindset, share examples of how you've approached problem-solving in your previous roles. We love candidates who can think outside the box and adapt their methods based on data.
Craft Clear Technical Reports: Your ability to produce structured technical reports is key! Include any relevant experience you have in documenting findings and presenting them clearly to stakeholders. This will show us you're ready for the formal reporting aspect of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive Recruitment
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the specific hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical test equipment mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will show your practical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare to showcase your analytical capabilities by discussing past experiences where you interpreted technical data or conducted experimental testing. Bring examples of how you validated hypotheses and identified trends from your analyses.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Documentation
Since producing structured technical reports is key, be prepared to talk about your experience in documentation. Highlight any specific instances where you maintained traceability of data and produced formal evidence reports.
✨Show Your Curiosity
This role requires a curiosity-driven approach, so come ready to discuss how you've approached problem-solving in the past. Share examples of how you've iteratively refined setups or tackled engineering challenges in previous projects.