Scientific Test Engineer

Atlas Copco; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Comprehensive benefits

Health & wellbeing

Learning culture

Job summary

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking an experienced Scientific Test Engineer to join our Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Burgess Hill. This role is ideal for a hands-on test engineer with strong vacuum science and UHV experience who is motivated by safe, accurate and traceable testing of advanced technology development projects.

You will provide enhanced validation testing across advanced vacuum science laboratories, develop bespoke rigs, apply instrumentation and data acquisition methods,

Qualifications

• Technician apprenticeship or equivalent with post-apprenticeship experience.
• Evidence of UHV build/test and measurement practices.
• Experience in industrial or research settings involving product development and testing.
• Hands-on mechanical build/test experience with motors, drives or sensors.
• Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and recommend next steps.

Responsibilities

• Follow lab procedures and promote safe working practices.
• Plan and deliver test work packages with clear ownership.
• Apply vacuum science and UHV practices to build and test systems.
• Operate data acquisition equipment to produce accurate results.
• Develop bespoke test rigs in collaboration with engineers.
• Create clear test reports communicating risks and findings.
• Mentor technicians and apprentices where required.
• Support facility enhancements and new methods.

Skills

UHV build & test

Data acquisition

Laboratory instrumentation

Team mentoring

Safety compliance

Education

Technician apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

Data acquisition equipment

Sensors

Interface modules

Job description

Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique is seeking an experienced Scientific Test Engineer to join our Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Burgess Hill. This role is ideal for a hands‑on test engineer with strong vacuum science and UHV experience who is motivated by safe, accurate and traceable testing of advanced technology development projects. You will report to one of our Principle Technologists.

You will provide enhanced validation testing for increasingly complex technology development projects undertaken by the New Technology Validation teams. Working across advanced vacuum science laboratories, you will plan and deliver test work, develop bespoke rigs, apply instrumentation and data acquisition methods, and turn results into clear conclusions and recommendations. You will also support the Lab Manager in maintaining and enhancing world‑class R&D facilities, while mentoring junior technical colleagues and apprentices where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Put safety first by following laboratory procedures, processes and controls and promoting safe working practices
• Plan and deliver assigned test engineering work packages with task owners, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and traceability
• Apply advanced vacuum science and UHV working practices to build, test and assess systems, including cleanliness, gauging and measurement
• Specify, configure and use computers, interface modules, sensors and data acquisition equipment to produce accurate and repeatable results
• Develop and use bespoke test rigs in collaboration with technologists and development engineers
• Analyse test results, draw sound conclusions and provide clear recommendations for further work
• Create accurate test reports and records, communicating progress, risks, findings and recommendations across multiple levels of the business
• Use practical workshop skills and manually operated machinery to modify or create specialist components and test rigs
• Support laboratory enhancement activities by identifying and implementing agreed improvements to facilities, equipment and methods
• Lead and mentor technicians, junior technical staff, industrial placement students and apprentices where required

To succeed, you will need

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

• Technician apprenticeship (or equivalent) plus at least five years of relevant post-apprenticeship experience
• Proven knowledge and capability in UHV build and test, including measurement practices for system cleanliness
• Significant experience in an industrial or research-associated role involving product creation, development and testing
• Experience of mechanical product build and test, including motors, drives, sensors and controls, ideally relating to rotating machinery
• Confident use of sensors, interfacing and data acquisition equipment, with the ability to specify and adapt suitable measurement approaches
• Ability to analyse information and test results, use appropriate analytical tools, draw conclusions and recommend further work
• Practical workshop skills using manually operated machinery to modify and create specialist components and test rigs
• High attention to detail, accurate record keeping and the ability to produce clear, logical test reports
• Good working knowledge of standard computer applications, including Word, Excel and email
• Clear and confident communication with technicians, engineers and management
• Clear and confident communication with technicians, engineers and management
• A track record of innovation and of helping to bring enhanced technology towards the marketplace

In return, we offer

• A technically challenging role within a world-class technology organisation
• Opportunities to work on innovative, cutting‑edge products
• A strong safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for learning and development
• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well‑being

Job location

This role is based at the Global Technology Centre (GTC), Burgess Hill, with time split between the GTC Development Laboratories and team collaboration in the office. Travel of up to 10% may be required to support project activity and knowledge transfer. You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration.

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we are uniting curious minds, and you could be one of them.

Atlas Copco Group enables technology that transforms the future. We innovate to develop products, services and solutions that are key to our customers' success. Our four business areas offer technologies for air and gas compression, vacuum and abatement, automated assembly and quality control, mobile energy management and power generation as well as portable and industrial flow technologies.