At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop test strategies and troubleshoot hardware systems to ensure product quality.
- Company: High-tech engineering firm in Cambridge focused on innovative hardware solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring high-performance hardware products are ready for production.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Physics, with experience in hardware testing and validation.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for travel and hands-on problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate will have Socode are partnering with a high-technology engineering business in Cambridge that develops complex hardware systems used in demanding, high-performance environments. As part of continued growth and new product introductions, they are looking to hire a Hardware Test Engineer to strengthen their verification and manufacturing readiness capability. This role is about making sure hardware products perform exactly as intended before they reach volume production. You will sit between design and manufacturing, building test capability, diagnosing issues and ensuring new products transition smoothly into scalable production. If you enjoy structured problem solving, fault-finding and building test solutions that directly impact product quality, this is worth a conversation.
What will you be doing?
- Developing practical test strategies to prove product performance against specification
- Supporting new hardware products as they move from engineering development into manufacturing
- Designing and building test setups for both development validation and production use
- Troubleshooting complex hardware systems to identify root causes of failures
- Analysing test data and producing clear technical reports to guide design decisions
- Creating cost-effective hardware and software-based test solutions within agreed timelines
- Working closely with multi-disciplinary teams to improve test coverage and efficiency
- Establishing repeatable test procedures that simplify complex assembly and validation steps
- Defining test requirements for products entering volume manufacture
- Supporting improvements to cost, standardisation and supply chain resilience
- Specifying and working with third parties on bespoke automated test equipment and fixtures
What are they looking for?
- Degree-qualified in Engineering, Physics or a related discipline
- A few years of industry experience in hardware test, product validation or integration
- Solid understanding of structured verification and validation processes
- Experience diagnosing faults across integrated hardware systems
- Comfortable working at the interface between design engineering and manufacturing
- Clear communicator who can explain technical findings to both engineers and managers
- Well organised, able to juggle multiple workstreams without losing detail
- Self-driven and comfortable taking ownership of deliverables
- Open to occasional travel to manufacturing sites when required
Nice to have
- Experience developing test scripts or tools using Python or LabVIEW
- Hands-on experience debugging hardware at board or system level
- Familiarity with production test environments and assembly processes
- Experience defining or specifying automated test equipment (ATE) or custom fixtures
Hardware Test Engineer in Cambridge employer: SoCode
Contact Detail:
SoCode Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Test Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to hardware testing and validation. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects, test strategies, and any troubleshooting you've done. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Test Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Hardware Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience in hardware testing, product validation, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills. We want to see how you fit into our high-tech environment!
Craft a Compelling 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 aligns with our needs. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled complex problems or improved processes. We’re all about structured problem-solving, so let us know how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hardware systems and testing methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've diagnosed faults or developed test strategies. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to structured verification and validation processes. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both engineers and managers. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you improved test coverage or efficiency through teamwork, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company’s approach to product validation and how they handle challenges in transitioning products to manufacturing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.