R&D Test Technician

Nicholas Associates; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is seeking an R&D Test Technician in Sheffield to join a dynamic team. The role involves hands-on workshop duties, assisting in developing and testing technology, and supporting R&D initiatives with practical test work and data capture.

You will work across assembly, testing, and equipment configuration, with a focus on fault finding, documentation, and collaboration with engineers to drive development decisions.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical experience in a workshop, assembly, maintenance or test environment.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
• Capable with hand and power tools and dimensional inspection.
• Logical, methodical approach to fault finding and testing.
• Follow procedures and record reliable results with clear communication.
• Proficient in Excel for data capture and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised workshop and manage consumables.
• Coordinate goods in and inspections against orders and specs.
• Manage stores, stock records, traceability and despatch of equipment.
• Assemble, modify and maintain mechanical equipment and test rigs from drawings.
• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections and record defects.
• Prepare test equipment and data acquisition setup before testing.
• Operate equipment and run tests per procedures; monitor and escalate issues.
• Capture and interrogate test data to identify trends and support investigations.
• Produce clear test reports and maintain records of configurations and conditions.
• Support selection and sourcing of test rig components and instrumentation.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Read drawings

P&IDs

Data capture

Test procedures

Excel

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or technical qualification

Tools

Measurement equipment

Job description

Position: R&D Test Technician

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Salary: £32-37K

Nicholas Associates has an excellent opportunity for an R&D Test Technician, to join an innovative & growing client in the Sheffield area.

This is a hands‑on role, in which you will be responsible for assisting in the development of our client's technology and support R&D initiatives. You will move between routine workshop duties and technical testing activities, investigating problems and using your judgement to recognise when engineering support is required.

You will provide practical support for the assembly, development and testing of equipment, taking ownership of day‑to‑day workshop activities. This is a varied, hands‑on role covering workshop organisation, goods handling, mechanical assembly, inspection, test preparation and operation, together with accurate data capture and reporting.

The role requires strong mechanical skills, a methodical approach to testing and fault finding, and a willingness to contribute across all workshop activities.

Key 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 despatch 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.

Essential skills and experience

• 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.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies