Development Technician

Edwards Vacuum; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking a Development Technician for the Global Technology Centre in Burgess Hill. You will develop and test next-generation vacuum pump technology, set up measurement systems, and turn results into engineering insight.

Safety and quality drive daily work. You’ll build and strip pumps and test rigs to enable rapid iteration, troubleshoot to root cause, and report findings with clarity and pace.

Qualifications

• Technician apprenticeship (or equivalent) with 5+ years post‑apprenticeship experience.
• Proven problem-solver with fault finding, root-cause analysis and test investigations.
• Strong IT skills and hands-on experience with sensors, DAQ and interfacing.
• Experience in development, research or industrial test following plans and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety standards and lead by example.
• Set up test rigs, sensors and instrumentation for repeatable data.
• Execute test plans with DAQ software; troubleshoot to root cause.
• Capture data and produce clear, concise reports.
• Plan and communicate progress, risks and outcomes with engineers.
• Mentor apprentices and junior technicians.
• Own lab areas and drive 6S and day-to-day readiness.
• Build, configure and strip pumps and test hardware for fault-finding.
• Drive improvements and upgrades to strengthen capability, reliability and safety.

Skills

Fault finding

Root cause analysis

Test investigation

IT skills

Sensors

Measurement mindset

Mechanical testing

Safety focus

Communication

Quick learning

Education

Technician apprenticeship (or equivalent)

Tools

DAQ equipment

Test software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Your role

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking a skilled Development Technician to join our Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Burgess Hill. This role is ideal for a hands‑on technician who is passionate about safety, innovation, and supporting the development of next‑generation vacuum pumping technologies.

About The Role

You’ll be at the heart of developing and testing next‑generation vacuum pump technology. Your day‑to‑day is about solving problems, setting up smart measurement, and using computers, data acquisition hardware and test software to turn test results into clear engineering insight. You’ll run tests to plan, spot anomalies fast, troubleshoot to root cause, and report findings with accuracy and pace. You’ll also build, configure and strip pumps and test rigs to enable rapid iteration. Safety is non‑negotiable, and quality and continuous improvement are part of how you work.

Key Responsibilities

• Put safety first - follow site/lab standards and lead by example every day
• Support risk assessments and safe methods of work; raise hazards and drive actions to closure
• Set up and run test rigs, sensors and instrumentation—safe, reliable, and ready for repeatable data
• Execute test plans using DAQ equipment and software; troubleshoot quickly and use structured problem‑solving to get to root cause
• Capture high‑quality data—measurements, observations and test logs—and produce clear, concise reports
• Plan and prioritise your work; communicate progress, risks and outcomes with engineers and project teams
• Support and mentor apprentices and junior technicians, reinforcing safe and robust engineering practice
• Own lab areas and standards—drive 6S, equipment care and day‑to‑day readiness
• Build, configure and strip pumps and test hardware to enable fault‑finding, rapid iteration and efficient testing
• Drive improvements and upgrades that strengthen capability, reliability and safety

Skills, Knowledge And Experience

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

• Technician apprenticeship (or equivalent) plus 5+ years post‑apprenticeship experience
• Proven problem‑solver—fault finding, root cause analysis and test investigation
• Strong IT skills—confident with test software, spreadsheets and digital traceability
• Hands‑on with sensors, DAQ and interfacing (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, vibration)—set‑up, checks and signal quality
• Measurement‑first mindset—understand uncertainty, improve instrumentation, and adopt new sensor technologies
• Experience in development, research or industrial test—working to plans, standards and quality
• Mechanical build/test experience—motors, drives, rotating equipment and rig assembly
• Practical workshop skills (manual machinery) with a strong safety and quality focus
• Clear communicator—able to turn test results into concise updates for engineers and stakeholders
• Comfortable learning new tools quickly and producing accurate, traceable test reports

In return, we offer

• A technically challenging role within a world‑class technology organisation
• Opportunities to work on innovative, cutting‑edge products
• A strong safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for learning and development
• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well‑being

Job location

This role is based at the Global Technology Centre (GTC), Burgess Hill. Occasional travel to other Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique sites may be required. You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration.

Contact information

Talent Acquisition Team: Kirsty George