Senior Test & Development Engineer

Tech Connect Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tech Connect Group partnered company is seeking a Senior Test and Development Engineer to join their Milton Keynes office. You will design and execute structured test programmes for powertrain systems, instrument engines and rigs, and correlate data with virtual models to improve predictive accuracy.

The role requires 5+ years in vehicle test and development, with a strong background in engine dynamics, data analysis, and cross‑functional communication.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in vehicle test and development.
• Strong understanding of engine dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills and cross‑functional collaboration.
• A can-do attitude with willingness to learn new skills.
• Experience with data-driven test programmes and interpretation of results.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and execute structured test programmes for powertrain systems.
• Develop and refine test methodologies and acceptance criteria.
• Instrument engines and rigs for data acquisition and quality control.
• Analyse complex datasets and translate findings into design recommendations.
• Collaborate with CAE and simulation teams to align physical tests with models.
• Manage rig-based testing programmes and define test schedules.
• Identify failure modes and drive root-cause analysis with designers.
• Maintain clear test reports and support technical development across the team.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical culture.

Skills

Vehicle test & development

Engine dynamics

Communication skills

Deadline-driven

Mentoring

Decision-making

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

Tech Connect Group have partnered with a UK-based engineering company in their search for a Senior Test and Development Engineer. Backed by industry investor and strong pre-orders, this start up business are heading towards their next step in their growth journey.

This role requires you to reliably commute to their Milton Keynes offices, 5 days a week.

This role would best suit an experienced development engineer with a track record of delivering performance improvements through structures and data-driven test programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute structured test programmes for powertrain systems.
• Develop and refine test methodologies, procedures, and acceptance criteria to ensure robust, repeatable results.
• Instrument engines and rigs for data acquisition; define channel requirements and ensure data quality.
• Process, analyse, and interpret complex datasets using engineering analysis tools; translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for the design team.
• Work closely with CAE and simulation teams to correlate physical test results with virtual models to improve predictive accuracy.
• Manage rig-based testing programmes (e.g., 7-post, component durability, powertrain dyno), defining test schedules and overseeing execution.
• Identify failure modes and drive root cause analysis; work with designers to close the loop on issues efficiently.
• Maintain clear and thorough test reports, ensuring findings are communicated effectively across the wider engineering organisation.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical development culture.

Key Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in vehicle test and development, ideally within motorsport or high-performance automotive
• Strong understanding of engine dynamics
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced, competitive environment
• A can-do attitude and willingness to learn new skills are essential.
• Experienced in complex decision-making and strategic thinking when faced with imperfect data and challenging timelines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to foster strong cross-departmental relationships.