Senior Test Technician

Caudwell Marine; Coventry; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Caudwell Marine in Coventry is seeking a hands-on Production Test Engineer to lead the diesel engine test cell, develop test procedures and mentor technicians. You will diagnose faults across mechanical, electrical and software domains, run automated test cycles and support continuous improvement across production testing.

The role requires experience with diesel engines, engine management and CADET software, plus a relevant HNC/HND and safety training.

Qualifications

• Experience operating diesel engine test cells in manufacturing/production environments.
• Experience commissioning, maintaining or improving engine test equipment and rigs.
• Strong understanding of diesel engines, engine management and control systems.
• Experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical and software faults.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the production engine test cell with safe, efficient testing.
• Act as SME for BIPO and End of Line Vessel Control System testing processes.
• Execute automated and manual engine test cycles meeting quality requirements.
• Diagnose faults and collaborate with Manufacturing/Design Engineering for improvements.
• Develop and improve test procedures, work instructions and SOPs.
• Commission and maintain new production test rigs and instrumentation.
• Mentor Production Test Technicians to ensure competency standards.
• Provide technical support during investigations and validation activities.
• Analyse test data and feed back to Engineering for product/process improvements.
• Drive RFT/FTT and production efficiency via robust testing and root cause analysis.
• Ensure calibration and preventive maintenance of test equipment.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities to improve quality and throughput.
• Support future test strategies and automation improvements.

Skills

Diesel testing

Test rig maintenance

Mentoring technicians

Diagnostics

Engineering leadership

Education

HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical

Health & Safety training

Tools

CADET software

Job description

Caudwell Marine is a pioneering UK marine engineering company, backed by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell. We are redefining marine propulsion through the development of a diesel outboard system built for uncompromising performance, reliability and control in all conditions, with a global product launch planned for 2026. As a growing and ambitious business, we are focused on delivering cutting-edge technology designed for the toughest marine environments and turning innovation into real-world impact.

At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays an important role in shaping the future of the company. Our approach is built around being confident, committed and consistent in everything we do. Driven by endurance and powered by people, we are building a team that sets high standards and is helping redefine the future of marine propulsion.

Role & Responsibilities

This is a hands‑on technical role with additional responsibility for developing test processes, mentoring technicians, commissioning new test rigs and driving continuous improvement across production testing.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the production engine test cell, ensuring safe, efficient and repeatable testing.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the BIPO and End of Line (EOL) Vessel Control System (VCS) testing processes.
• Execute automated and manual engine test cycles, ensuring all production engines meet quality and performance requirements.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical and software‑related faults, working closely with Manufacturing Engineering and Design Engineering to deliver robust solutions.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve BIPO and EOL test procedures, work instructions and standard operating processes.
• Commission, validate and maintain new production test rigs, equipment and associated instrumentation.
• Lead the introduction of future production test equipment and support factory expansion activities.
• Train, mentor and develop Production Test Technicians, ensuring competency standards are achieved and maintained.
• Provide technical support to Manufacturing Operations, Engineering and external suppliers during investigations and product validation activities.
• Analyse test data and provide structured feedback to Engineering to support product and process improvements.
• Drive Right First Time (RFT), First Time Through (FTT) and production efficiency improvements through robust testing and root cause analysis.
• Ensure calibration, maintenance and preventative maintenance activities are completed on all production test equipment.
• Monitor and report production test KPIs, identifying opportunities to improve quality, throughput and equipment reliability.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering in developing future production test strategies and automation improvements.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, environmental and quality management systems.

Required Skills & Experience

• Significant experience operating diesel engine test cells within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Previous experience commissioning, maintaining or improving engine test equipment and production test rigs.
• Strong understanding of diesel engine operation, engine management systems and associated control systems.
• Experience operating CADET software and associated engine test systems – desirable.
• Proven experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical and software faults.
• Experience supporting production environments and delivering continuous improvement activities.
• Experience training, mentoring or coaching technicians.
• Able to work independently whilst providing technical leadership to others.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety within an engine testing environment.
• Experience using production KPIs to improve operational performance.

Personal Attributes

• Natural technical leader with a hands‑on approach.
• Passionate about quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional under pressure.
• Customer and production focused.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to prioritise workload.
• Strong team player with the ability to mentor and develop others.
• Positive attitude towards emerging technologies and innovation.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Formal technical training demonstrating competence in mechanical, electrical and electronic systems.
• Relevant Health & Safety training desirable.
• Engine diagnostic and testing qualifications advantageous.

Additional Information

• Location: Coventry
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Flexibility to support operations in Lowestoft as required (infrequent travel)
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Occasional UK travel required.