Engine Test Technician - ICE / Engines

UTAC group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

UTAC are recruiting an Engine Test Technician to join the Engine Test Centre at our Millbrook site in Bedford. The role supports a range of testing from durability, fuels and additive testing to research projects on prototype hardware.

You will work with the Engineering team, assist in set‑up and delivery of tests, install instrumentation, diagnose faults and contribute to efficient, safe test cell operations.

Qualifications

• Primarily factor to have experience in automotive and/or testing background.
• Experienced petrochemical testing Technicians welcomed.
• Formal automotive qualification / apprenticeship preferred but not essential.
• Experienced Technicians from OEM Dealerships welcomed.
• Consideration given to time served mechanic / alternate backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Contribute towards 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 (dependant 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.

Skills

Automotive testing

Petrochemical testing

OEM dealership experience

Time-served mechanic

Fault diagnostics

Education

Formal automotive qualification / apprenticeship

Automotive apprenticeship preferred

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to – Supervisor – Engine Test

UTAC are 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

• Contribute towards 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 (dependant 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

Qualifications & Experience

• Primarily factor to have experience in automotive and/or testing background.
• Experienced petrochemical testing Technicians welcomed.
• Formal automotive qualification / apprenticeship preferred but not essential.
• Experienced Technicians from OEM Dealerships welcomed.
• Consideration given to time served mechanic / alternate backgrounds.

Skills

• Strong Health and Safety awareness and understanding.
• Good 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.

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).
• Willing to undergo a Criminal Disclosure check.
• NOTE: This position is based on site.

Additional Information

We believe that the international and diverse nature of our business combined with the passion, energy and friendliness of our people create a great place to work. UTAC is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing inclusion and supporting our people to be themselves and at their very best.

By joining us you will gain access to a broad range of learning relevant to your role and personal development, as well as exposure to leading technologies and expertise.

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.

Learn more about UTAC and what and how we do what we do at www.utac.com

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.