Test Engineer in Southampton

Test Engineer in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Trant Engineering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Inspect and test control panels and automation systems to ensure safety and compliance.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values care, trust, respect, and sustainability.
  • 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 impact by ensuring high-quality products reach clients safely.
  • Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering and experience in testing.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

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: Trant Engineering

Trant Engineering is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises health and safety while fostering employee growth. Located in Southampton, the company provides competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the engineering sector.

Trant Engineering

Contact Details:

Trant Engineering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Test Engineer in Southampton

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Test Engineer role you’re after at Trant Engineering.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Trant Engineering a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Trant Engineering.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Test Engineer at Trant Engineering, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer in Southampton

Electrical Inspection & Testing
BS EN 61439-2:2021 Compliance
Reading Electrical Schematics
Routine Verification Testing
Functional Testing
Insulation Resistance Testing
Continuity Testing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Test Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Trant Engineering a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Trant Engineering specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Trant Engineering

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Trant Engineering, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Trant Engineering want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.