Senior R&D Engineer

Syntech Recruitment Ltd; Newbury; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntech Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Senior R&D Engineer to join a leading specialist engineering manufacturer near Newbury on an initial 6‑month contract. You will work hands‑on across development, validation, transmission and powertrain systems, collaborating with design, test and manufacturing teams from test definition through to engineering recommendations.

The role requires a strong mechanical engineering background and hands‑on experience with test rigs, data logging and

Qualifications

• Experience in R&D, test & development or validation engineering.
• Strong mechanical engineering background.
• Experience with transmissions, driveline, powertrain, automotive or motorsport desirable.
• Hands-on experience with test rigs and engineering test equipment.
• Experience with data logging, instrumentation and test data analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• CAD experience; Siemens NX would be advantageous.
• Engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage development and validation testing
• Produce test specifications and define appropriate test methods
• Set up, operate and support engineering test rigs
• Analyse test data and produce technical reports
• Investigate test failures and recommend engineering solutions
• Support first-build validation of new products
• Carry out condition assessments on transmission and mechanical systems
• Identify tooling and test equipment requirements
• Work closely with Design Engineers on product development activities
• Support end-of-line testing and build quality assurance
• Maintain accurate engineering and test documentation
• Support vehicle testing and wider development activities where required

Skills

R&D experience

Test & validation

Mechanical engineering

Transmissions/powertrain

Hands-on test rigs

Data logging & analysis

Fault finding

Engineering drawings interpretation

Independent working

Automotive/motorsport background

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD

Job description

Senior R&D Engineer - 6 Month Contract

Location: Near Newbury, Berkshire

Rate: Up to £35.00 per hour PAYE

Contract: 6 months

Job Type: Contract

Syntech Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced Senior R&D Engineer to join a leading specialist engineering manufacturer based near Newbury on an initial 6-month contract.

This is a hands-on test and development position working on advanced transmission and powertrain systems within a high-performance engineering environment. You'll take responsibility for development and validation activities, working closely with design, test and manufacturing teams from initial test definition through to analysis and engineering recommendations.

What's in it for you?

• Up to £35.00 per hour PAYE
• Initial 6-month contract
• Opportunity to work on advanced motorsport and high-performance automotive technology
• Hands-on R&D and development environment
• Exposure to transmission, powertrain, test rig and vehicle development programmes

Senior R&D Engineer Responsibilities

• Plan and manage development and validation testing
• Produce test specifications and define appropriate test methods
• Set up, operate and support engineering test rigs
• Analyse test data and produce technical reports
• Investigate test failures and recommend engineering solutions
• Support first-build validation of new products
• Carry out condition assessments on transmission and mechanical systems
• Identify tooling and test equipment requirements
• Work closely with Design Engineers on product development activities
• Support end-of-line testing and build quality assurance
• Maintain accurate engineering and test documentation
• Support vehicle testing and wider development activities where required

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience within R&D, test & development or validation engineering
• Strong mechanical engineering background
• Experience within transmissions, driveline, powertrain, automotive or motorsport highly desirable
• Hands-on experience with test rigs and engineering test equipment
• Experience with data logging, instrumentation and test data analysis
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings
• CAD experience; Siemens NX would be advantageous
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems
• Engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Able to work independently and take ownership of development activities

This position would suit an experienced Test & Development Engineer, R&D Engineer, Powertrain Development Engineer, Transmission Development Engineer or Validation Engineer looking for a technically challenging contract within a high-performance engineering environment.