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- Tasks: Lead hands-on testing of complex mechanical products in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Established engineering organisation in the maritime and defence sector.
- Benefits: Permanent role with exposure to high-integrity engineering and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while working directly with hardware.
- Qualifications: Experience in Test Engineering and a degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established engineering organisation operating within the maritime and defence sector is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join its test and verification team. This is a fully onsite, hands-on engineering role, ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, test rigs, and live product testing rather than desk-based analysis alone. You will play a key role in delivering robust testing and validation of complex mechanical products, supporting projects from early design through to final qualification.
The role involves providing technical leadership and hands-on expertise across test planning, rig design, execution, and reporting. You will work closely with project leads, engineers, suppliers, and third-party test facilities, ensuring products meet performance, quality, and reliability requirements. This role sits within a fast-paced development environment and requires regular physical presence in the test facility. You will also support and mentor other test engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and capabilities.
Key responsibilities:
- Capture test requirements from product specifications and engineering drawings
- Support project reviews and provide technical input to test strategies
- Develop detailed test plans, including rig allocation, scheduling, and hardware requirements
- Design and produce bespoke test hardware (e.g. adaptor plates, test shafts) using CAD
- Raise quotations and purchase orders for test and rig interface hardware
- Create and review risk assessments to ensure testing is carried out safely and within operating limits
- Assemble and operate test rigs, monitor live testing via data acquisition systems, and perform inspections at agreed intervals
- Manage testing activities at external suppliers, OEMs, and third-party test facilities
- Produce comprehensive test reports detailing methodology, data, conclusions, and recommendations
- Present test results to internal stakeholders where required
- Ensure compliance with QEHS requirements and promote 5S best practices
- Actively support training and mentoring of junior engineers
- Contribute to compliance with quality and environmental standards (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
- Support the ongoing development of the test facility as a centre of technical excellence
About you:
- Proven experience in a Test Engineering environment
- Strong hands-on experience with mechanical systems and test rigs
- A degree (or preferably a Master’s) in a relevant engineering discipline
- The ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong capability interpreting engineering drawings and designing test hardware using CAD
- Confidence carrying out mechanical engineering calculations
- Experience within the marine or defence engineering sectors (desirable)
- Familiarity with test and monitoring tools such as LabVIEW or similar platforms
- Hands-on experience with instrumentation and data capture equipment (e.g. thermocouples, LVDTs, tachometers)
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across engineering teams
- Strong report-writing skills with a high attention to detail
- Commercial awareness and a practical, delivery-focused mindset
- Willingness to undertake occasional travel
What’s on offer:
- A technically challenging, fully onsite and hands-on engineering role
- Exposure to complex, high-integrity engineering products
- The opportunity to influence test strategy and mentor others
- A collaborative engineering environment focused on quality and continuous improvement
- Long-term, permanent opportunity within a stable and growing organisation
If you are interested, please apply!
Locations
Senior Mechanical Test Engineer in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: STR Group
Contact Detail:
STR Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Test Engineer in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with test rigs and mechanical systems. Share specific examples of projects where you’ve made an impact – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss test planning, rig design, and any relevant software tools like LabVIEW. We want to see that you’re not just a great engineer but also someone who can communicate complex ideas clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission in the engineering world.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Test Engineer in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Mechanical Test Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with mechanical systems and any relevant projects you've worked on in the maritime or defence sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your test engineering experience, especially those that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others in a fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with CAD and any test monitoring tools like LabVIEW. We want to see how you’ve used these skills in real-world scenarios, so be specific about your contributions to past projects.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at STR Group
✨Know Your Hardware
Make sure you brush up on your hands-on experience with mechanical systems and test rigs. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or operated test hardware, as this will show your practical expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Master the Test Planning Process
Familiarise yourself with the test planning process, including rig design and execution. Prepare to talk about how you've developed detailed test plans in the past, and be ready to share examples of how you've managed scheduling and hardware requirements effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with project leads and other engineers, it's crucial to demonstrate your clear communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across teams or presented test results to stakeholders, as this will highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to the continuous improvement of testing processes in previous roles. Share any experiences where you've mentored junior engineers or implemented best practices, as this will show your commitment to quality and development within the team.