R&D Test Technician

Novanta Inc.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta Inc. in Cambridge is seeking an ambitious R&D Technician to join the Inductive Encoders team.

You will design and execute test activities from concept to validation, conduct performance and reliability testing, and collaborate with engineers across R&D, manufacturing and quality. You will build and maintain test setups, troubleshoot prototype hardware, and contribute to design reviews while driving test-process improvements and automation.

Qualifications

• HNC, HND, apprenticeship or equivalent engineering experience.
• Experience with electrical, electronic or electromechanical products.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in an R&D or engineering environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Hands-on approach with a passion for technology.

Responsibilities

• Conducting performance, environmental and reliability testing
• Building and maintaining test equipment and fixtures
• Troubleshooting prototype and production hardware
• Capturing and analysing test data
• Supporting verification and validation activities
• Working with external test laboratories
• Contributing to design reviews and technical discussions
• Driving improvements in test processes and automation

Skills

Fault-finding

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Hands-on

Education

HNC/HND/Apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

At Novanta, we are developing sensor technologies used around the world in precision motion control applications. Our products are trusted by leading OEMs where accuracy, reliability and performance are critical. As an R&D Technician, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge products from concept through to validation. The Opportunity: We are looking for a technically curious and hands‑on R&D Technician to join our Inductive Encoders team in Cambridge. Working closely with engineers across R&D, manufacturing and quality, you will help bring new products to life by designing and executing test activities that verify performance, reliability and compliance. What you will be doing:

• Conducting performance, environmental and reliability testing
• Building and maintaining test equipment and fixtures
• Troubleshooting prototype and production hardware
• Capturing and analysing test data
• Supporting verification and validation activities
• Working with external test laboratories
• Contributing to design reviews and technical discussions
• Driving improvements in test processes and automation,

We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, for example with applications, interviews, or assessments, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner. We will work with you to understand your needs and make appropriate arrangements so you can perform at your best.

• HNC, HND, apprenticeship or equivalent engineering experience
• Practical experience working with electrical, electronic or electromechanical products
• Strong fault‑finding and problem‑solving skills
• Experience in an R&D or engineering environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A hands‑on approach with a passion for technology

Desirable experience:

• EMC testing knowledge
• Soldering experience
• Test automation exposure
• Experience with JIRA or Confluence
• Knowledge of industry standards and compliance testing