At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and support Automated Test Equipment for cutting-edge embedded computing solutions.
- Company: Leading designer and manufacturer in high-performance embedded computing for critical markets.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, profit share, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and technical development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly growing team and work on innovative technology that makes a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience with Automated Test Equipment and strong understanding of electronic hardware required.
An opportunity has arisen for a Test Development Engineer to join a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance embedded computing solutions serving aerospace, defence, telecommunications, industrial, transportation and other mission-critical markets.
The organisation develops advanced embedded computing platforms, single board computers, networking products and high-reliability electronic systems used in some of the world's most demanding applications. With continued investment in product innovation and manufacturing capability, the business is experiencing significant growth and expanding its engineering team to support an increasing pipeline of new product introductions.
This is a technically challenging engineering role focused on developing and supporting Automated Test Equipment (ATE) solutions that enable the efficient manufacture of complex embedded computing hardware. Working closely with hardware, software, manufacturing and verification teams, you will influence product testability from the earliest stages of development through to full-scale production.
This role would suit an engineer with experience designing Automated Test Equipment (ATE), developing manufacturing test solutions or supporting production test systems who enjoys solving complex technical challenges within a collaborative engineering environment.
Main Responsibilities of the Test Development Engineer (Colchester):
• Define Design for Testability (DfT) requirements during new product development and PCB design reviews
• Develop and maintain Automated Test Equipment (ATE) requirements for new embedded hardware platforms
• Design and specify ATE hardware including fixtures, interface test adapters (ITAs), harnesses, switching systems and interface electronics
• Work closely with software engineers to develop automated production test sequences and diagnostic routines
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), pilot builds and transition into volume manufacturing
• Validate and qualify production test systems prior to manufacturing release
• Troubleshoot production test failures and carry out root cause investigations
• Drive improvements in manufacturing yield, throughput and overall test efficiency
• Produce and maintain technical documentation including test procedures, schematics, maintenance guides and interface documentation
• Support ongoing maintenance, calibration and continuous improvement of deployed ATE systems
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, software, manufacturing and quality teams to optimise product test strategies
• Support production growth through scalable, high-performance automated test solutions
Requirements of the Test Development Engineer (Colchester):
• Proven experience developing or supporting Automated Test Equipment (ATE) within an electronics manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of electronic hardware including analogue and digital circuits, power systems and high-speed interfaces
• Experience designing production test systems for complex electronic assemblies or embedded computing products
• Knowledge of Design for Testability (DfT), Built-In Self-Test (BIST) and diagnostic methodologies
• Experience working with oscilloscopes, programmable power supplies, switching hardware and electronic test instrumentation
• Strong fault-finding and root cause analysis skills
• Experience working closely with software engineers to develop integrated hardware and software test solutions
• Excellent technical documentation and requirements capture skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Experience within one or more of the following technologies would be advantageous:
• Embedded computing systems
• Single Board Computers (SBCs)
• VPX, VME or CompactPCI architectures
• Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
• PCB and multilayer board design
• Manufacturing and production test systems
• Functional test and environmental testing
• High-reliability electronics
• Defence electronics
• Aerospace electronics
• Industrial computing platforms
Desirable:
• Experience within aerospace, defence, telecommunications or industrial electronics sectors
• Knowledge of SMT manufacturing, PCB assembly and functional test processes
• Experience improving manufacturing yield and production throughput
• Ability to design custom electronics for test fixtures and adapters
• Experience supporting qualification and environmental testing programmes
• Understanding of manufacturing process optimisation and production scalability
Working Pattern & Benefits:
• Hybrid working — 3 days onsite in Colchester and 2 days remote
• Opportunity to work on technically advanced embedded computing platforms used in mission-critical applications
• Join a rapidly growing engineering organisation with significant investment in new product development
• Work across the full product lifecycle from concept through to production
• Annual company profit share bonus
• Private healthcare
• Company pension with up to 10% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme
• Life assurance and income protection
• Enhanced parental leave
• Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and virtual GP
• Excellent long-term technical and career development opportunities
Locations
Test Development Engineer in Colchester, Essex employer: Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
Redline Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across its three sites in Surrey. With a strong emphasis on career progression and personal development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance within the company, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about engineering and R&D.
Contact Details:
Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Development Engineer in Colchester, Essex
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
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Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies for a Test Development Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Development Engineer in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
