R&D Test Technician — Flexible Hours, Hands-On Testing

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

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