R&D Test Technician

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

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited in Sheffield is seeking an R&D Test Technician to bridge hands‑on workshop work with mechanical testing and data capture for R&D initiatives. You will move between routine duties and technical testing, applying judgement to identify when engineering support is required.

You will support assembly, development and testing of equipment, take ownership of day‑to‑day workshop activities, and help maintain records, inspection regimes and test configurations for

Qualifications

• Strong practical mechanical experience in workshop/engineering test environments.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
• Competence in mechanical assembly, fitting, use of hand and power tools, and dimensional inspection.
• Logical, methodical approach to 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 with a practical emphasis on safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently within priorities while collaborating with engineers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean and organised workshop, including housekeeping, tool care, equipment maintenance and consumables management.
• Coordinate goods in, check deliveries against orders and specifications, record discrepancies.
• Manage stores, stock records, component identification and traceability, plus packing/despatch of equipment and materials.
• Assemble, modify and maintain mechanical equipment, pipework and test rigs using drawings, P&IDs, specs and work instructions.
• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections, record findings and identify defects or non-conformances.
• Prepare and configure test equipment, including connections, instrumentation and data acquisition gear.
• Operate equipment and conduct tests per procedures, monitor performance, investigate faults and escalate unsafe conditions.
• Capture, organise and interrogate test data to identify trends and support engineering decisions.
• Produce clear test reports and maintain records of configurations, conditions, results and observations.
• Support engineering team in selecting and sourcing test rig components, instrumentation and fittings.
• Maintain calibration records for tools and equipment and ensure readiness for use.
• Contribute to risk assessments and improvements to workshop and testing activities.

Skills

Mechanical workshop experience

Reading drawings & P&IDs

Mechanical assembly & inspection

Fault finding & problem solving

Data capture & reporting

Excel data analysis

Safety-conscious, organized

Independent work with engineers

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or technical qualification

Tools

Measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers)

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.