Senior Engine Test Technician - ICE / Engines *Multiple Shift Patterns Available* in Bedford

Reporting to – Supervisor – Engine Test

UTAC is recruiting for an Engine Test Technician to join the Engine Test Centre at our Millbrook site in Bedford. The successful candidate will assist in the set-up and delivery of engine testing programs on a wide variety of testing from durability, through fuels and additive testing to research projects on prototype hardware. Ranging from downsized passenger car with a focus on economy and emissions through to high output units with performance focus and heavy duty, as well as crossing into Powertrain rig testing and Electrified driveline. Supported by the Engineering team and reporting to the Supervisor you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team with a single mutual goal.

As we broaden our work scope and customer portfolio, we are looking for passionate and driven Technicians to join and grow our team. Being a people focused business, we are open to applicants for various backgrounds, whether you come from a similar testing environment, an automotive background, a time-served mechanic, an OEM or main dealer, we would like to hear from you.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead engine / test piece palletisation, installation and setup of instrumentation and support systems.
• Validate basic engine running and associated fluid, fuel and boost conditioning systems in test cell environment.
• Be part of a team which contributes towards running customer test requirements in a test cell for specific customer development programs.
• Identify and diagnose unit faults, both mechanical and electrical, working with Engineering team to deliver effective solutions.
• Carry out servicing and hardware changes.
• Run the test cell using a combination of automated test cycles and manual operation leading into more complex tasks with support from Engineering teams.
• Take ownership of the test piece, equipment and hardware in the test cell (dependent on experience).
• Liaise with supporting staff, Engineers, Supervisors and customers on a technical level.
• Continue and improve initiatives to reduce waste and optimise efficiency.
• Act in accordance with the behaviours for UTAC staff at all times.

Qualifications & Experience

• Primarily factor to have experience in automotive and/or testing background.
• Experienced Technicians from OEM Dealerships welcomed.
• Experienced Petrochemical testing Technicians welcomed.
• Consideration given to time served mechanic / alternate backgrounds.

Skills

• Strong Health and Safety awareness and understanding.
• Excellent knowledge of gasoline and diesel engine fundamentals.
• Understanding of engine support systems.
• Proven experience working in a testing environment or hands‑on engine experience.
• Basic fabrication and mechanical skills.
• Automotive fault diagnostics / good systematic approach to general fault finding.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and instruction following completion of probationary period.
• Willingness to take responsibility for own work and offer support to others.
• PC Skills.
• Experience in test automation software (AVL PUMA and/or Horiba STARS), indicating software (AVL Indicom, ETAS INCA), analysis software (AVL Concerto) preferred.

Personal Behaviours

• Interest in emerging technologies / engines / testing.
• Highly motivated with excellent teamwork ethics.
• Act in accordance with the behaviours for UTAC colleagues.
• Punctual, organised, flexible and adaptable.
• Customer focussed / awareness of confidentiality.
• Professional attitude with a can‑do approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, approachable.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Other

• Physically able to work in a laboratory/workshop environment.
• Flexibility to travel as and when required (minimal).
• Full UK driving licence & own transport (UTAC is not easily accessible via public transport).
• Willingness to undergo a Criminal Disclosure check.

Additional Information

UTAC is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing inclusion and supporting our people to be themselves and at their very best. Our reward and benefit programmes are designed to support our people with competitive and locally tailored packages combined with support for individual health and wellbeing both inside and outside of work. In the UK this includes:

• Life Cover
• Access to a wide range of discounts and offers via the Perkz reward scheme
• Recognition awards linked to our UTAC values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity.
• Contributory pension schemes
• Attractive family friendly policies; maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, flexible working.
• Access to a variety of employee assistance support services.

Candidates for positions at UTAC must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the country the role is based in. Immigration visa sponsorship is not available for this position.