PCB Test Engineer Defence Manufacturing

Guidant Global; Hulton Lane Ends; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Guidant Global is recruiting a hands-on Electronics Test Engineer for a production-based role with a leading UK defence manufacturer. You will diagnose faults on PCBs and complex assemblies on the shop floor, using test equipment and collaborating with production and quality teams to maintain schedules.

This is a non-design role focusing on fault chasing rather than CAD work; a strong grounding in electronics and test methods is essential for success on site in Bolton.

Qualifications

• HNC in Electronic Engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with electronic test and fault finding.
• PCB/board-level testing experience.
• Knowledge of digital and analogue measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Fault-finding and diagnostics on PCBs and electronic sub-systems down to component level.
• Hands-on use of oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and power supplies.
• Supporting new test facilities, specifications, and operator instructions.
• Working closely with production and quality teams to hit build schedules.
• Contributing to defect reviews and corrective actions in a controlled defence environment.

Skills

Fault finding

PCB testing

Electronic measurement

Documentation

Education

HNC in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Signal generators

Power supplies

Job description

PCB Test Engineer Defence Manufacturing

Location: Westhoughton, Greater Manchester, GB, BL5 3

Date: 2026-09-17

Closing Date: 2026-12-16 19:02:04

Title: PCB Test Engineer Defence Manufacturing (Fault Finding)

Location: Bolton

Salary/Rate: £25.31 - £27.54 per Hour PAYE, £34.00 - £37.00 per Hour Umbrella Inside IR35

Contract Type: Contingent work assignment

About the role

Guidant Global is working with a leading UK defence manufacturer to recruit a hands-on Electronics Test Engineer for a production-based role. You'll be working directly with test equipment on the shop floor diagnosing faults down to circuit card and component level on complex electrical and electronic assemblies. This is not a design role. If you're happiest with a scope in hand and a fault to chase down rather than a CAD screen, this is built for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Fault-finding and diagnostics on PCBs and electronic sub-systems down to component level
• Hands-on use of oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and power supplies
• Supporting new test facilities, specifications, and operator instructions
• Working closely with production and quality teams to hit build schedules
• Contributing to defect reviews and corrective actions in a controlled defence environment

What you’ll bring

• HNC (or equivalent) in Electronic/Electrical Engineering
• Strong hands-on experience with electronic test and fault finding
• PCB/board-level, not just system-level
• Solid grasp of digital and analogue measurement techniques
• Confidence writing test instructions, specifications, and technical reports

Nice to have (not essential):

• RF/microwave exposure at sub-system level
• Automated test equipment (ATE) experience
• Environmental or high-voltage testing awareness
• Defence or other regulated manufacturing background (aerospace, automotive, rail)
• SAP exposure

Why this role

• Real faults, real test equipment, genuinely hands-on
• Stable, long-term defence programme, not short-term firefighting
• Clear processes and strong production support
• Supportive, experienced engineering team