R&D Development Technician – Vacuum Tech & Test Rig

Atlas Copco Airpower N.V.; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking a Development Technician for our Global Technology Centre in Burgess Hill, UK. You will develop and test next-generation vacuum pump tech, setting up measurement systems and turning results into engineering insight.

You’ll build and strip pumps and test rigs, troubleshoot, and report findings with precision in a safety‑driven environment. The role emphasizes hands‑on testing, problem solving, and supporting continuous improvement across lab activities,

Qualifications

• Technician apprenticeship (or equivalent) +5+ years post-apprenticeship experience.
• Proven fault-finding, root cause analysis and test investigation.
• Strong IT skills with test software, spreadsheets and digital traceability.
• Hands-on with sensors, DAQ and interfacing (pressure, temp, flow etc.).
• Measurement-first mindset; understand uncertainty and instrumentation.
• Experience in development, research or industrial test to plans/standards.
• Mechanical build/test experience with motors, drives and rigs.
• Practical workshop skills with safety and quality focus.
• Clear communicator turning test results into updates.
• Comfortable learning new tools and producing traceable reports.

Responsibilities

• Put safety first and follow site lab standards.
• Set up and run test rigs, sensors and instrumentation for repeatable data.
• Execute test plans using DAQ equipment and software; identify root cause.
• Capture high-quality data and produce concise reports.
• Plan and prioritise work; communicate progress and risks.
• Mentor apprentices and junior technicians on safe practice.
• Own lab areas and drive 6S and equipment readiness.
• Build and strip pumps and test hardware for rapid iteration.
• Drive improvements to strengthen capability, reliability and safety.

Skills

Problem solving

IT skills

Sensors & DAQ

Measurement mindset

Development experience

Mechanical build/test

Workshop skills

Communication

Learning new tools

Apprenticeship background

Education

Technician apprenticeship

Job description

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking a Development Technician for our Global Technology Centre in Burgess Hill, UK. You will develop and test next-generation vacuum pump tech, setting up measurement systems and turning results into engineering insight.

You’ll build and strip pumps and test rigs, troubleshoot, and report findings with precision in a safety‑driven environment. The role emphasizes hands‑on testing, problem solving, and supporting continuous improvement across lab activities,