At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and test control panels and automation systems to ensure safety and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading electrical engineering firm with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring products are safe and functional before they reach clients.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering and experience in testing control panels.
The Test Engineer is responsible for the inspection, testing, and verification of control panels, MCCs, and automation systems prior to dispatch. The role ensures all products are compliant with BS EN 61439-2, client requirements, and internal quality procedures, providing assurance that assemblies are safe, functional, and fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Responsibilities - Electrical Inspection & Testing
- Understanding of panel General Arrangements and schematics.
- Carry out routine and type verification testing in accordance with BS EN 61439-2:2021.
- Perform visual, mechanical and electrical inspections of completed assemblies.
- Conduct insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, functional and operational testing.
- Set up instrumentation and test equipment as necessary to ensure thorough verification of systems.
- Technical Support & Collaboration
- Ensure traceability of components and test results in line with quality procedures.
- Support the preparation of final documentation for handover to clients.
- Perform functional testing of control circuits, interlocks, protection devices, and automation logic.
- Support FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) with clients or third‑party inspectors.
- Assist with basic fault‑finding and rectification during test phases.
- SHE&Q and Compliance
- Ensure all panels and MCCs meet client specifications, drawings and approved documentation.
- Complete and maintain accurate test records, certificates, and compliance documentation.
- Confirm compliance with relevant IEC, BS, and international standards where applicable.
- Identify non‑conformances and work with manufacturing teams to resolve issues.
- Support internal and external audits and client inspections.
- Ensure testing activities are carried out safely and in accordance with company H&S procedures.
- Maintain a safe, tidy and compliant test environment.
- Identify opportunities to improve testing processes, efficiency and quality standards.
Key Interfaces
- Internal Interfaces
- Workshop Supervisor / Production Manager
- Manufacturing & Wiring Teams
- Design & Engineering Teams
- Automation Team
- Quality / Compliance Team
- External Interfaces
- Clients / Consultants
- Third‑Party Inspectors / Certification Bodies
- Component Suppliers (as required)
Core Values
Uphold and promote the Company’s Core Values – Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 / HNC / HND in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Strong working knowledge of BS EN 61439-2:2021 testing and verification requirements.
- Recognised electrical safety and testing training, including safe isolation practices.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and GA drawings.
- Proven experience testing control panels, MCCs, or automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience carrying out routine verification testing in accordance with BS EN 61439-2.
- Hands‑on experience with functional, insulation resistance, continuity, and operational testing.
- Experience identifying, reporting, and supporting rectification of non‑conformances.
- Experience testing MCCs, control panels and intelligent MCC / PLC systems.
Desirable
- 18th Edition (BS 7671) qualification.
- Training or certification in FAT / commissioning procedures.
- Knowledge of international standards (IEC, UL, or equivalent).
- First Aid or IOSH Working Safely certification.
- Experience supporting or leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) with clients.
- Experience working on custom‑built, client‑specific assemblies.
- Experience supporting quality audits and compliance documentation.
Benefits
At Trant, we offer the opportunity for career development and progression within a professional working environment, and we strongly encourage employees to gain professional qualifications and fully support individuals on their journeys towards chartership. Our company benefits package includes:
- Competitive salary
- Company car or car allowance (some levels)
- Mentored support within our ‘Career Development Association’, to work towards chartership
- 24 days holiday (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays
- Options to buy additional holiday via salary sacrifice
- Company Pension Scheme
- Flexible working based on a ‘core hours’ system
- 1 x Professional Membership paid annually
- Hybrid working
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free onsite parking
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus
Test Engineer in Southampton employer: Te Tech
Trant is an exceptional employer located in Southampton, offering a dynamic work environment for Test Engineers focused on electrical inspection and testing. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development, including support for chartership and a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a focus on work-life balance. Our core values of Care, Trust, Respect, and Sustainability foster a collaborative culture where employees are encouraged to thrive and contribute to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Engineer in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Te Tech!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Test Engineer position at Te Tech, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Te Tech is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Test Engineer role at Te Tech!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Te Tech and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Te Tech
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Te Tech.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Te Tech, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
