Senior Test & Development Engineer

Matchtech; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Senior Test & Development Engineer to support design, development and validation of high-integrity gearbox products. The role focuses on test rig development, product performance testing, verification and validation, and delivery of technical test systems for complex mechanical products.

Key responsibilities include drafting test plans, specifying equipment, and leading data analysis and DFMEA/PFMEA activities within a defence/manufacturing context.

Qualifications

• Experience in verification, validation and testing of rotating equipment or complex mechanical products.
• Knowledge of product performance validation, test methodologies and certification requirements.
• Understanding of instrumentation and data capture systems for displacement, torque, pressure, temperature and flow.
• Familiarity with vibration measurement and analysis, including shaft line and coupling balance.

Responsibilities

• Define product validation, verification and performance test requirements.
• Develop test plans, specifications and acceptance criteria for gearbox products.
• Specify test equipment, instrumentation, data capture systems and calibration requirements.
• Design, set up and commission test rigs, including guarding, lubrication and cooling systems.
• Conduct data capture, processing, analysis and presentation of test results.
• Carry out vibration, noise, torque, pressure, temperature, flow and displacement measurement activities.
• Provide technical oversight, troubleshooting and support throughout test programme execution.
• Support client witness testing, operational teams, service activities, design reviews and project bid proposals.
• Produce engineering solutions for test rig hardware requirements and maintain logs and documentation.
• Lead or contribute to DFMEA, PFMEA and structured problem-solving activities.
• Liaise with engineering teams, clients and wider business functions to deliver requirements.

Skills

Test & Validation

Data acquisition

Vibration analysis

Rotating equipment testing

Instrumentation calibration

DFMEA / PFMEA

Structured problem solving

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Engineering

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Teamcenter

SAP

Job description

Our client, a leading organisation within the defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, is seeking a Senior Test & Development Engineer to support the design, development and validation of high-integrity gearbox products. This permanent, full-time role will focus on test rig development, product performance testing, verification and validation, and the delivery of technical test systems for complex mechanical products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define product validation, verification and performance test requirements.
• Develop test plans, specifications and acceptance criteria for gearbox products.
• Specify test equipment, instrumentation, data capture systems and calibration requirements.
• Design, set up and commission test rigs, including guarding, lubrication and cooling systems.
• Conduct data capture, processing, analysis and presentation of test results.
• Carry out vibration, noise, torque, pressure, temperature, flow and displacement measurement activities.
• Provide technical oversight, troubleshooting and support throughout test programme execution.
• Support client witness testing, operational teams, service activities, design reviews and project bid proposals.
• Produce engineering solutions for test rig hardware requirements and maintain test data logs and documentation.
• Lead or contribute to DFMEA, PFMEA, structured problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.
• Liaise with engineering teams, clients and wider business functions to deliver project and customer requirements.

Job Requirements:

• Experience in verification, validation and testing of rotating equipment or complex mechanical products.
• Knowledge of product performance validation, test methodologies and certification requirements.
• Understanding of instrumentation and data capture systems, including measurement of displacement, torque, pressure, temperature and flow.
• Experience in vibration measurement and analysis, including in-situ shaft line and coupling balance assessment.
• Knowledge of electrical and hydraulic drive and control systems, equipment calibration and machinery safety regulations.
• Understanding of relevant industry standards, including ISO, AGMA, DIN, FKM and DNV.
• Awareness of functional safety, PLM and lifecycle management systems, ideally Teamcenter, together with SAP user experience.
• Knowledge of 2391 Test & Inspection principles would be advantageous.
• Experience of structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and DMAIC.
• Strong data-driven decision-making, report writing, presentation and communication skills.

Education and Qualifications:

• Level 5 Diploma with relevant engineering experience.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline is preferred.

Industry Experience:

Experience within defence, on- and off-highway transmissions, internal combustion engines, turbo machinery or large-scale engineering design and manufacturing environments would be highly relevant. An understanding of gated and regulated design processes for complex mechanical systems would also be beneficial.

Leadership and Personal Attributes:

• Strong integrity and a professional, objective approach to conflict resolution.
• Ability to teach, mentor and support colleagues.
• Well-developed emotional intelligence and collaborative working skills.
• Organised and methodical approach to planning, documentation and test delivery.

Working Pattern:

This is a permanent, full-time position working Monday to Friday for 37.5 hours per week. During gearbox testing, participation in a 24/6 shift operation for up to six weeks may be required. Some domestic travel may be involved to support testing and service activities.
If you are an experienced Senior Test & Development Engineer with expertise in verification, validation, testing and rotating equipment, to support the delivery of advanced defence and manufacturing products.