R&D Mechanical Test Technician - Hands-On Role

Nicholas Associates Group; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group in Sheffield is seeking a Mechanical Assembly and Test Technician to join a growing client base. This hands-on role covers workshop duties, mechanical assembly, testing, data capture and reporting, with exposure to development and R&D activities.

You will move between routine tasks and troubleshooting, reading engineering drawings and P&IDs, and maintaining safe, accurate records while supporting engineering investigations and project work.

Qualifications

• Strong practical mechanical experience in a workshop, assembly, maintenance or engineering test environment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Competence in mechanical assembly, fitting, use of hand and power tools, and dimensional inspection using appropriate measuring equipment.
• A logical and methodical approach to mechanical fault finding and problem solving.
• Ability to follow test procedures, record reliable results and communicate findings clearly.
• Confidence using Excel or similar tools for data capture, basic analysis and reporting.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and a practical understanding of safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently within agreed priorities and competence, while collaborating closely with engineers and other team members.
• A relevant engineering apprenticeship or technical qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean and organised workshop, including housekeeping, tool care, equipment maintenance and management of consumables.
• Coordinate goods in, checking deliveries against orders and specifications, identifying discrepancies and maintaining appropriate records.
• Manage stores, stock records, component identification and traceability, alongside packing and dispatch of equipment and materials.
• Assemble, modify and maintain mechanical equipment, pipework and test rigs using engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications and work instructions.
• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections, record findings and identify defects or non-conformances.
• Prepare and configure test equipment, including mechanical connections, instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, ensuring readiness before testing.
• Operate equipment and conduct tests in accordance with agreed procedures, monitoring performance, investigating faults and escalating abnormal or unsafe conditions.
• Capture, organise and interrogate test data to identify trends, anomalies and equipment performance, supporting engineering investigations and development decisions.
• Produce clear test reports and maintain accurate records of equipment configurations, operating conditions, results and observations.
• Support the engineering team in selecting, specifying and sourcing test rig components, including instrumentation, valves, fittings and associated equipment.
• Maintain inspection, maintenance and calibration records, ensuring tools and measuring equipment remain suitable for use.
• Contribute to risk assessments, practical work instructions and improvements to workshop and testing activities.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Engineering drawings interpretation

P&IDs understanding

Dimensional inspection

Fault finding & problem solving

Test procedures

Data capture & reporting (Excel)

Safety practices

Independent work & collaboration

Practical workshop skills

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or technical qualification

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

Measurement tools (calipers, micrometers)

Test rigs and instrumentation setup

Data acquisition equipment

Job description

Nicholas Associates Group in Sheffield is seeking a Mechanical Assembly and Test Technician to join a growing client base. This hands-on role covers workshop duties, mechanical assembly, testing, data capture and reporting, with exposure to development and R&D activities.

You will move between routine tasks and troubleshooting, reading engineering drawings and P&IDs, and maintaining safe, accurate records while supporting engineering investigations and project work.