R&D Technician

Oliver Hydcovalves; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Pension scheme (4% employer)

Medical plan

Life Assurance

Annual leave 31 days

Job summary

Oliver Valves in Knutsford is seeking an R&D Technician to join our engineering team on a 40-hour week. The role focuses on assembling, inspecting, and rigorously testing prototype valves to meet industry and client specifications.

You will perform hydrostatic, pneumatic, cryogenic and other tests, with emphasis on documentation, component inspection, and developing test equipment. A hands-on, detail‑oriented mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Practical hands‑on tool skills and a positive, can‑do attitude.
• Attention to detail and strong numeracy/communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and inspect components for prototype valves.
• Perform hydrostatic, pneumatic, cryogenic, hyperbaric and fire tests.
• Record procedures and test results accurately.
• Prototype new valve designs in line with procedures.
• Develop and maintain R&D test equipment.
• Provide remedial shop floor support as needed.

Skills

Hands-on tools

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office basics

Team player

Numeracy & literacy

Good communication

Job description

Role:

R&D Technician

Location:

Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate

Working Hours:

Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week.

A fantastic opportunity has open for an R&D Technician to join our team in Knutsford. This is a new position that will strengthen the existing team.

Whether you are an experienced Mechanical Technician from a machine shop background or a motivated Engineering Graduate looking for a practical start in R&D, we want to hear from you.

About Us

With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth - as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.

What You’ll Be Doing

As an R&D Technician, you will be responsible for the assembly, inspection, and rigorous testing of prototype valves in accordance with industry and client specifications. Key duties include:

• Inspection: Detailed component inspection ensuring drawing compliance.
• Specialised Testing: Conducting hydrostatic, pneumatic, cryogenic, hyperbaric, and fire testing.
• Analysis: Interpreting test procedures and accurately recording results.
• Prototyping: Assembling and testing new valve designs in line with Engineering Procedures.
• Maintenance: Developing and maintaining R&D test equipment.
• Problem Solving: Performing detailed component inspections and shop-floor remedial work.

What You’ll Bring

Our ideal candidate is a proactive, hands on professional who combines technical precision in valve testing and assembly with the analytical mindset needed to drive innovation within a fast-paced R&D environment. They will bring the following attributes to the role:

• Practical, hands on tool skills
• Can do attitude
• Attention to detail
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office
• Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good numeracy, literacy and communication skills.

What’s On Offer

Here’s what you can expect as an R&D Technician with us:

• Competitive starting pay of £13.20 per hour, increasing to £13.50 after probation with further increases as your skills increase.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Overtime opportunities at enhanced rates.
• Company pension scheme (4% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution).
• Medical cash plan (dental, optical, physio & more), Life Assurance (Death in Service) and Long Service Awards.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• 31 days of Annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with length of service.

With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors.

We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth - as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.