Senior Test Engineer

SR2; Reading; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SR2 is seeking a hands-on Senior Test Engineer to help grow the test capability for high‑performance electrical systems in the UK defence sector. You’ll decide what to test, how to measure it, and what equipment is needed, working alongside design engineers to influence hardware iterations.

The role initially focuses on power electronics and electric drives, with potential to broaden into motor characterisation and broader product verification as the capability expands.

Qualifications

• Hands-on test, development or characterisation experience in high‑power systems.
• Experience with electrical measurement equipment and instrumentation.
• Ability to analyze test data and translate results into engineering actions.
• Experience building or modifying test rigs and instrumentation.
• Test automation or data acquisition using Python or LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Build or modify test rigs and instrumentation to test hardware.
• Decide what needs testing and how to measure it effectively.
• Analyze test data and translate results into engineering decisions.
• Work closely with design engineers to influence hardware iterations.
• Develop the test capability beyond inherited procedures.

Skills

Power electronics

Electrical testing

Test instrumentation

Data analysis

Python

LabVIEW

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Current probes

Power analysers

DAQ equipment

Job description

Senior Test Engineer – Power Electronics / Motors

We’re looking for a hands‑on Test Engineer to help build the test and development capability for a growing UK defence engineering business developing high‑performance electrical systems.

Rather than simply running existing test procedures, you’ll have the freedom to decide what needs testing, how to measure it and what equipment is needed to do it properly. You’ll work closely with the design engineers, using real test data to influence the next iteration of the hardware.

The initial focus will be power electronics and electric drives, with the opportunity to broaden into motor characterisation, dynamometer testing and wider product verification as the capability grows.

Skills & Experience

We’d be interested in speaking with engineers with strong experience in either power electronics / electric drives testing or electric motor testing. You don't need to be an expert in everything below.

Essential:

• Hands‑on test, development or characterisation experience across power electronics, electric drives, motors or similar high‑power systems
• Electrical measurement using oscilloscopes, current probes, power analysers and/or DAQ equipment
• Experience investigating efficiency, losses, thermal behaviour or electrical performance
• Building or modifying test rigs, fixtures and instrumentation
• Ability to analyse test data and translate results into useful engineering decisions
• Test automation / data acquisition using Python, LabVIEW or similar
• Comfortable working practically with hardware in a laboratory environment
• SC eligible – dual British / NATO nationalities considered

Useful Experience:

• Inverters, motor drives or power converters
• Electric motors and dynamometer testing
• Torque, speed, efficiency or thermal mapping
• High‑voltage / high‑current testing
• Test facility or laboratory development
• Environmental or endurance testing
• Measurement uncertainty, calibration and traceability
• Aerospace, defence, automotive, motorsport or other high‑performance engineering environments

Additional Information

• Permanent, full‑time position
• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Reading based, onsite
• Significant freedom to shape the test capability rather than inherit an established process
• Hands‑on position working directly alongside the engineers designing the hardware
• Opportunity to introduce new test equipment, rigs and methodologies
• Scope to develop into technical leadership as the function grows