At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and test control panels and automation systems to ensure quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm shaping critical national infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, career development support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth and mentorship in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering and experience in testing control systems.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Te-Tech design, custom build and install a wide range of high quality control panels, motor control centres (MCCs) and automation systems, offering conventional, intelligent and withdrawable systems with outstanding reliability and functionality. We are currently looking for a Test Engineer to join our workshop based near Totton, Southampton.
The Role
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, client requirements, and internal quality procedures, providing assurance that assemblies are safe, functional, and fit for purpose.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Technical Responsibilities - Electrical Inspection & Testing
- Understanding of panel General Arrangements and schematics.
- Carry out routine and type verification testing in accordance with BS EN: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.
Core Values
Uphold and promote the Company’s Core Values – Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.
What We’re Looking For
- Essential
- NVQ Level 3 / HNC / HND in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Strong working knowledge of BS EN: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.
- 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.
Why Join Us?
We deliver complex, high-value engineering and construction projects across the UK. From process and water treatment to energy infrastructure upgrades, we play a key role in delivering and protecting critical national infrastructure – shaping the systems that communities and industries rely on every day.
Our teams design and deliver full EPC solutions, combining technical excellence with practical, hands-on delivery. We offer end-to-end capabilities – from concept and design through to manufacturing, construction and commissioning utilising a continually evolving in-house expertise. This means you’ll work on projects that are varied, challenging and genuinely impactful.
Our multi-disciplinary teams bring together specialists in civil, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation, and control & automation engineering, alongside our in-house manufacturing of control panels, MCCs, PLCs and SCADA systems. With over 1,000 people and a strong, growing pipeline of work, it’s an exciting time to join us. We are committed to helping our people succeed through our Career Development Association, providing structured support, mentoring and clear pathways to help you reach your full potential.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your next career step, we offer the chance to develop, progress and make a real difference.
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.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and be part of something bigger.
Test Engineer in Totton employer: Trant Engineering Ltd
Trant Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to impactful engineering projects while enjoying a flexible part-time schedule. With a strong commitment to employee development through our Career Development Association, competitive benefits, and a culture that values care, trust, respect, and sustainability, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and a supportive team atmosphere in this role as a Payroll Technician.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Engineer in Totton
✨Get Involved in Control Systems Communities
Dive into control systems forums and relevant LinkedIn groups to showcase your expertise. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share your knowledge—this can help us get noticed by potential employers looking for someone just like you!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer in Totton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for the Test Engineer role, make sure to showcase your technical expertise in control systems. Be specific about the software and programming languages you’ve worked with—mention anything from MATLAB to PLC programming. This will help us see your proficiency in the tools that are essential for the job.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the engineering world, numbers speak volumes! Use your CV to quantify your achievements—whether it’s a percentage improvement in system efficiency or successful project completions under budget. This will not only make your application stand out but also showcase your problem-solving capabilities to us.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t hesitate to get personal in your cover letter! Talk about why you’re passionate about control systems engineering and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role at Trant Engineering Ltd. We want to see your genuine interest and motivation to contribute to our projects.
Professional Documentation:For a full-time role, ensure that your application documents are professional and well-structured. Include a clear CV format and cover letter that highlights key projects or systems you've worked on. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training that would make you a valuable addition to us at Trant Engineering Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trant Engineering Ltd
✨Brush Up on Control Systems Concepts
Make sure we're up to speed with control systems theory—think stability analysis, PID tuning, and state-space representation. Revising these fundamentals will help us answer technical questions more confidently and demonstrate our expertise during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Get hands-on with popular simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW. A lot of interviews might include technical assessments or practical tasks to gauge our understanding of system modelling and control design using these tools, so being proficient could really set us apart.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
We should expect scenario-based questions where we'll have to solve real-world control system challenges. Practising how to approach problems logically and articulately will help us show our analytical thinking to the interviewer at Trant Engineering Ltd.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
As this role is full-time, it's crucial we convey our genuine enthusiasm for control systems engineering. Sharing personal projects or experiences where we tackled interesting engineering tasks can illustrate our commitment and eagerness to contribute to the team at Trant Engineering Ltd.