Production Test Engineer

STR Group; Greenwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

STR Group’s client, a leader in submarine telecommunications, seeks a Production Test Engineer in the United Kingdom. The role covers configuration, integration, testing and fault diagnosis of Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) within a manufacturing setting.

You will support FAT, fault investigations, repairs and drive continuous improvement across tests and documentation. The engineer will work across system configuration, FAT delivery, fault finding and quality processes, ensuring

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar engineering/integration/production test role.
• Experience in optical data transmission systems.
• Hands-on experience with SDH, WDM and real-time optical transmission systems.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, network diagrams and interface specifications.
• Experience producing technical failure reports and root cause analysis.
• Experience delivering customer Factory Acceptance Tests.
• Experience using ERP systems and controlled engineering documentation.
• Ability to work autonomously and with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Configure SLTE in accordance with station configuration requirements and project documentation.
• Lead FAT sessions with customers, on-site or remotely.
• Troubleshoot and isolate product/system failures using diagnostic methods and test equipment.
• Maintain accurate ERP records and test documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for processes and testing.
• Provide regular progress updates to FAT Manager and stakeholders.

Skills

Optical transmission systems

SDH

WDM

SLTE configuration

System-level fault finding

Technical diagnostics

Customer-facing support

Tools

Test equipment

Instrumentation

Logging tools

Job description

Our client helps connect the world through advanced submarine telecommunications infrastructure. The Production Test Engineer is responsible for the configuration, integration, testing and fault diagnosis of Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) within a telecommunications manufacturing environment.

The role is responsible for ensuring products are correctly configured and tested against project specifications and customer requirements, while supporting Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), fault investigations, product repairs and continuous improvement activities.

The position requires strong technical knowledge of optical transmission systems, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in both internal and customer-facing environments.

Key Responsibilities

System Configuration & Integration

• Configure Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) in accordance with station configuration requirements, engineering specifications and project documentation.
• Ensure system configurations are accurate, complete and aligned with approved project requirements.
• Identify and report discrepancies between material allocations, equipment configurations, summary lists and ERP system records.
• Identify, investigate and clearly communicate system design, configuration and integration issues.
• Monitor system behaviour when introducing new software or product releases and report newly identified issues or abnormal behaviour.
• Support early identification and escalation of technical issues that could affect product performance, project delivery or customer acceptance.

Factory Acceptance Testing

• Assess project-specific testing requirements and develop an appropriate approach to Factory Acceptance Testing.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests on configured products to verify performance against approved specifications and customer requirements.
• Prepare, complete and maintain accurate test documentation and test result sheets.
• Submit test documentation to the Quality Department for review and validation.
• Lead and conduct FAT sessions with customers, either on-site or remotely.
• Represent the organisation professionally throughout customer FAT activities and ensure a positive customer experience.
• Take ownership of FAT delivery, ensuring testing is completed in accordance with approved procedures, quality standards, project requirements and agreed timescales.
• Provide regular and accurate progress updates to the FAT Manager, including any constraints, issues, dependencies or risks.

Fault Finding & Technical Support

• Troubleshoot and isolate product and system failures using appropriate diagnostic methods and test equipment.
• Identify root causes and document technical findings in detailed failure reports.
• Escalate failure reports to the appropriate Industrialisation, Repair or Research & Development teams.
• Support the investigation and resolution of manufacturing and product-related technical issues.
• Support the Repair Centre by investigating returned products, identifying faults and testing repaired equipment to verify successful resolution.
• Analyse system performance and behaviour to identify potential product, configuration or design issues.
• Provide technical feedback to Engineering and other relevant functions to support product and process improvements.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Work proactively with the Quality Department to maintain product conformity and compliance with applicable quality standards.
• Ensure testing and integration activities are completed accurately and in accordance with approved procedures and documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving processes, efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, system integration processes, documentation and operational performance.
• Ensure departmental KPIs and FAT targets are achieved in accordance with project and manufacturing plans.

Systems & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date ERP system records in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure equipment configuration, test status and project information are correctly recorded.
• Maintain accurate test records, failure reports and supporting technical documentation.
• Identify and report inconsistencies between physical equipment, configuration documentation and system records.

Training & Competence

• Support training and competency development within system integration and testing functions.
• Share technical knowledge and experience with colleagues to strengthen departmental capability.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of technical training, test procedures and working practices.

QHSE

• Maintain strict compliance with all Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• Follow applicable risk assessments, safe working procedures and technical instructions.
• Ensure appropriate Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) controls are followed during testing and equipment handling.
• Comply with COSHH requirements and use appropriate PPE where required.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions in accordance with established procedures.
• Escalate any technical, operational, quality or safety risks appropriately.

Responsibilities & Autonomy

• Take ownership of SLTE integration, system configuration and Factory Acceptance Test activities.
• Plan, prioritise and execute testing and customer activities with a high level of autonomy.
• Ensure testing is delivered safely, accurately, on schedule and in accordance with project requirements.
• Proactively identify and elevate risks that may affect product quality, customer acceptance or project delivery.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Repair, Project Management and other relevant functions.
• Maintain a strong customer focus while ensuring technical and quality requirements are fully satisfied.

Experience & Competencies

• Previous experience in a similar engineering, integration, production test or telecommunications role.
• Experience within optical data transmission, telecommunications or a related technical environment.
• Practical experience with SDH, WDM and real-time optical transmission systems.
• Strong fault-finding, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong system-level thinking and engineering analysis capability.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, network diagrams, system architecture diagrams and interface specifications.
• Practical experience using test equipment, instrumentation, logging tools and diagnostic methods.
• Experience working in customer-facing technical environments.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to configuration and testing.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions within defined procedures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, quality, manufacturing and project teams.
• Strong commitment to Quality, Health & Safety and continuous improvement.
• Experience conducting customer Factory Acceptance Tests.
• Experience configuring complex telecommunications or optical transmission systems.
• Experience with ERP systems and controlled engineering documentation.
• Experience working within a formal quality management system.
• Experience producing technical failure reports and root cause analysis.
• Experience delivering technical training or supporting competency development.

Key Skills

• Optical transmission systems
• SDH and WDM
• SLTE configuration and integration
• Factory Acceptance Testing
• System-level fault finding
• Technical diagnostics
• Engineering analysis
• Electrical and network schematics
• Test equipment and instrumentation
• Customer-facing technical support
• Root cause analysis
• Technical documentation
• Quality assurance
• QHSE compliance