Test Development Engineer (Experimental & Data‑Driven)
Contract: LONG TERM PROJECT
Start: ASAP
Industry: Regulated Engineering / Industrial Automation

A leading engineering organisation is seeking a hands‑on Test Development Engineer to support the experimental testing phase of a major UK safety‑related programme. This is a highly practical, engineering‑focused role requiring experimental thinking, curiosity, and the ability to generate reliable, high‑quality engineering data.

You will work across the full test development lifecycle - from concept and setup through to execution, data capture, analysis, and formal reporting. This work directly feeds into the wider technical evidence package submitted to the end client.

This position suits an analytical mind with experience working in development, R&D, manufacturing, or automation‑driven environments.

Primary Purpose of the Role

Operate and develop test equipment within a manufacturing/testing environment.
Run exploratory, experiment‑driven tests to produce valid engineering data.
Capture, interpret, and analyse data to generate formal reports.
Apply the full development lifecycle in a structured and rigorous yet flexible manner.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Test Development

Plan, configure, and execute development tests using hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or automated equipment.
Investigate behaviours, troubleshoot issues, and refine setups via iterative experimentation.
Drive the data‑gathering effort required for the project's evidence package.Data Acquisition & Analysis

Configure instrumentation, sensors, and data capture systems.
Perform structured analyses, validate engineering hypotheses, and identify trends.
Convert test results into high‑quality technical reports suitable for external stakeholders.Engineering & Automation

Work with industrial automation systems, including PLC‑controlled rigs.
Operate test equipment safely and effectively to generate valid data.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and design teams.Documentation & Reporting

Produce test plans, procedures, data logs, and technical reports.
Maintain full traceability of data and configuration.
Present findings clearly to engineering leads and programme managers.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Qualification in Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Technology, Analytics, or Research (Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent).
Strong hands‑on experience with hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or automated test equipment.
Ability to conduct experimental testing rather than follow predetermined scripts.
Strong analytical capability and confidence interpreting technical data.
Experience in development, R&D, manufacturing, or automation‑driven environments.
Competence producing structured technical reports from first principles.Desirable

Operator‑level knowledge of LabVIEW.
Understanding of industrial automation or PLC‑controlled systems.
Exposure to regulated engineering environments.
Background in structured scientific experimentation.

Personal Attributes

Analytical, scientific mindset with a curiosity‑driven approach.
Methodical and detail‑minded, especially with data quality.
Clear written communicator comfortable producing formal evidence reports.
Practical thinker capable of adapting test setups as needed.
Collaborative, proactive, and able to resolve engineering challenges.

Interested? Click 'Apply' or email your CV directly-we'll contact you for a confidential chat about the role and your experience.

Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.