R&D Powertrain Technician

Seismic Recruitment; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Seismic Recruitment is seeking an R&D Powertrain Technician for a Peterborough-based, fully onsite role on a 12-month contract with strong extension prospects. Standard hours are 07:30–16:00, Monday to Friday, with flexible start/finish times.

The role involves build, test, and validation tasks across diesel, hybrid, and EV powertrain systems. Applicants should have an apprenticeship/HNC/BTEC in mechanical or electrical engineering and proven hands‑on experience in a technician or manufacturing

Qualifications

• Completed apprenticeship, BTEC, HNC or equivalent qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Hands-on technician experience in development, testing, maintenance or manufacturing environments.
• Strong fault-finding, diagnostic, repair and rebuild capabilities.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and build instructions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out build, strip, inspection and rebuild activities on powertrain, transmission, hybrid and electrification systems.
• Support development and validation activities across advanced engineering programmes.
• Conduct testing in development/test-bed environments per instructions and plans.
• Perform mechanical and electrical diagnostics, fault finding and root cause investigation.
• Complete electrical safety checks, inspections and technical measurements.
• Collaborate with engineers to feedback test results and component performance.
• Support data collection, analysis and reporting activities.
• Raise technical concerns and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with ordering, preparation and installation of development components and systems.

Skills

Fault-finding

Diagnostics

Repair and rebuild

Reading drawings

Education

Completed apprenticeship / BTEC / HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CANape

CAT ET

CAT EST

Job description

R&D Powertrain Technician

Peterborough - fully onsite PE1

12-month contract - Long term contract extension very likely for the right person

37 hours per week - Standard hours are Mon-Fri 07:30 AM - 04:00 PM (Flexible on start and finish times)

Up to £19.83ph PAYE + Holiday and Pension £26.91 Umbrella

We are recruiting for an R&D Powertrain Technician to join a leading global engineering and product development team in Peterborough. Working within an advanced research and development environment, you will support the development, testing and validation of next-generation powertrain technologies including diesel, hybrid, transmission and electric motor systems. The role offers excellent exposure to emerging technologies while providing a varied mix of build, strip, diagnostic, testing and problem-solving activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out build, strip, inspection and rebuild activities on powertrain, transmission, hybrid and electrification systems.
• Support development and validation activities across a range of advanced engineering programmes.
• Conduct testing activities within development and test-bed environments following engineering instructions and test plans.
• Perform mechanical and electrical diagnostics, fault finding and root cause investigation.
• Complete electrical safety checks, inspections and technical measurements.
• Work closely with engineers to provide feedback on test results, measurements and component performance.
• Support data collection, analysis and reporting activities.
• Raise technical concerns and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with ordering, preparation and installation of development components and systems.

What We're Looking For

• Completed apprenticeship, BTEC, HNC or equivalent qualification in a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering discipline.
• Proven hands‑on experience within a technician, development, testing, maintenance, automotive, aerospace or manufacturing environment.
• Strong fault‑finding, diagnostic, repair and rebuild experience.
• Experience working from engineering drawings, technical instructions or build documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Powertrain, transmission or engine testing.
• Hybrid, EV or E‑Motor technology.
• High‑voltage systems or battery technologies.
• Test‑bed operation and data acquisition systems.
• CANape, CAT ET, CAT EST or similar diagnostic and calibration tools.
• Hydraulics, pneumatics, fabrication or welding experience.
• Experience supporting new product development or prototype programmes.

Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK and evidence of eligibility will be required. Suitable candidates will be contacted.

The above represents a summary of the contract assignment. A full description of this contract assignment is available. A full explanation of this rate and all deductions will be explained in a key information document (KID) supplied to registered candidates