Senior Mechanical Test Engineer

Placements24; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer to join its East London R&D laboratory, focusing on the quality and performance of automotive components through rigorous mechanical testing.

You will design, develop and execute test plans, operate universal testing machines and environmental chambers, manage data acquisition, analyze results in MATLAB and Excel, and report findings to cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in mechanical testing, preferably automotive components.
• Proficiency with mechanical testing methods (tensile, compression, fatigue, impact, environmental).
• Experience with data acquisition systems and software.
• Strong knowledge of material properties, failure modes, and mechanical principles.
• CAD for test fixture design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement comprehensive mechanical test plans for automotive components and systems.
• Set up and operate mechanical testing equipment (universal testing machines, fatigue testers, environmental chambers).
• Develop and manage data acquisition systems to capture test parameters.
• Analyze data using statistical methods and software (MATLAB, Excel); generate detailed test reports.
• Troubleshoot test equipment and experimental setups; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Data acquisition

MATLAB

Excel

Technical reporting

Cross-functional teamwork

Test fixture design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

CAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive components manufacturing sector, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Mechanical Test Engineer to join their expanding research and development laboratory in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is integral to ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of automotive parts through rigorous mechanical testing. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing a wide range of mechanical tests, analyzing results, and providing crucial feedback to the design and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical testing methodologies, data acquisition, and a keen eye for detail. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of high-quality automotive components within a reputable organization based in East London .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement comprehensive mechanical test plans for automotive components and systems.
• Set up and operate mechanical testing equipment, including universal testing machines, fatigue testers, and environmental chambers.
• Develop and manage data acquisition systems to capture test parameters accurately.
• Analyze test data using statistical methods and software (e.g., MATLAB, Excel), interpret results, and generate detailed test reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with test equipment, methodologies, and experimental setups.
• Collaborate with design engineers to understand product requirements and define appropriate testing strategies.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, SAE) and internal quality procedures.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Provide technical recommendations for product improvement based on test findings.
• Mentor junior test engineers and technicians, assisting with their training and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical testing, with a focus on automotive components.
• Proficiency with various mechanical testing methods, including tensile, compression, fatigue, impact, and environmental testing.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and associated software.
• Strong understanding of material properties, failure modes, and mechanical principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software for test fixture design is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple testing projects concurrently and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or R&D environment within the Eastern Cape region is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and annual performance bonuses. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including in-house training programs and support for external certifications. The company provides a dynamic and supportive work environment with access to modern testing facilities. We offer paid time off, sick leave, and a commitment to employee growth and well-being. Join a team dedicated to automotive excellence.