Mechanical Test Technician

Gerrell & Hard Ltd.; Fareham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerrell & Hard Ltd. in Fareham is seeking a Mechanical Test Technician to join a small, skilled test team. The role is hands-on and diverse, involving sensor application, bespoke test rig construction, and a broad range of challenging tests to assess product capability and structural performance.

You will operate and calibrate test equipment, support new testing methods, and train colleagues while contributing to continuous improvement in testing methods and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Performing engineering tests and mechanical assembly.
• Strong problem-solving ability and excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform short- and long-term mechanical testing on composite, polymeric, and metallic specimens and assemblies in line with project plans and timescales.
• Operate, maintain, document, and calibrate a wide range of test equipment, including hydraulic systems, workshop equipment, and lifting equipment.
• Support the development of new testing methods, equipment, and instrumentation to improve understanding of product capability and structural performance.
• Train other staff (within skill level) on testing activities and laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across testing methods and product performance.

Skills

Engineering tests

Mechanical assembly

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

HNC or ONC in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Word

Data acquisition software

Job description

Mechanical Test Technician

Fareham

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Test Technician to join a growing design and manufacturing company based in southern Hampshire. The business is flourishing and continues to go from strength to strength, offering a stable yet dynamic environment with genuine opportunities to develop.

You will join a small, highly skilled test team and play a key role in expanding the company's testing capability.

The role is hands-on and varied, involving the application of sensors, the build of bespoke test rigs, and the execution of a wide range of novel and challenging tests.

Testing activities range from very small-scale coupon tests (just a few millimetres in size) through to large, full-scale structural tests, including:

• Loads of up to 500 tonnes
• Burst pressures of up to 4,000 bar

Experience with high-pressure testing is highly desirable, as is a strong appreciation for health and safety in an industrial testing environment.

Principal Accountabilities

• Perform short- and long-term mechanical testing on composite, polymeric, and metallic specimens and assemblies in line with project plans and timescales.
• Operate, maintain, document, and calibrate a wide range of test equipment, including hydraulic systems, workshop equipment, and lifting equipment.
• Support the development of new testing methods, equipment, and instrumentation to improve understanding of product capability and structural performance.
• Train other staff (within skill level) on testing activities and laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across testing methods and product performance.

Job Knowledge & Experience

Education

• HNC or ONC in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent relevant industry experience.

Skills

• Performing engineering tests and mechanical assembly.
• Strong problem-solving ability and excellent attention to detail.

Experience

• Instrumentation and installation of sensors and strain gauges on components.
• Fault finding, testing, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment.
• Operation of hydraulic pump systems.
• PC skills including Excel, Word, and test monitoring/data acquisition software.
• Previous experience in a laboratory or scientific environment is advantageous (training will be provided).
• Familiarity with precision measuring equipment.
• Experience using microscopes, cutting machines, and polishing equipment is beneficial.

Interpersonal Skills

• High energy and enthusiasm for technical challenges.
• A strong team player with good communication skills.

Specific Technical Areas of Interest (Advantageous)

Experience or interest in one or more of the following would be highly beneficial:

• Composite materials, including advanced thermoplastic composites
• Fatigue, tension, compression, and material development testing
• Strain gauging, instrumentation, and high-accuracy data acquisition
• Thermoplastic materials and associated processing/testing methods
• Bespoke high-load test frames and burst-test cells
• Universal tensile and compression testing machines
• Hydrostatic and hydraulic cyclic test systems
• Pressure transducers, pressure testing methods, and high-pressure systems
• Mechanical, thermal, and environmental material property testing