Senior Test Technician

Contechs; Gaydon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Contechs is seeking a hands-on engineer to lead the day-to-day operation of multi-cylinder engine testbeds in a development or durability setting at our Gaydon site.

You will support engineers across steady-state, transient, emissions, calibration and durability testing, performing first-line diagnostics and troubleshooting on mechanical, electrical, rig, and measurement systems. Proficiency with instrumentation and safety procedures is essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating combustion engine testbeds in development or durability environments.
• Solid understanding of engine fundamentals including combustion, turbocharging, fueling, emissions, cooling and lubrication.
• Experience with UUT palletisation systems and repeatable engine mounting.
• Experience installing and verifying instrumentation for temperature, pressure, emissions and airflow.
• Familiarity with AVL PUMA and ETAS INCA for test execution and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to diagnose rig issues such as sensor faults, wiring defects, leaks, and vibrations.
• Familiar with test procedures, engineering documentation, and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of multi-cylinder engine testbeds, ensuring safe, test-ready rigs.
• Support engineers with steady-state, transient, emissions, calibration, and durability test activities.
• Perform first-line diagnosis and troubleshooting for mechanical, electrical, rig, and measurement issues.
• Operate AVL PUMA, ETAS INCA, and related tools at an operational level to run test steps and verify channel integrity.
• Assist with hardware changes, including injectors, sensors, turbo components, exhaust parts, hoses, and fuel system items.
• Maintain testbed readiness while driving continuous improvements in rig uptime, palletisation efficiency, measurement reliability, and overall test execution.
• Support installation or commissioning of new rigs, instrumentation, facility upgrades, or measurement systems.
• Follow all APRL safety procedures for rotating machinery, hot surfaces, fuel handling, compressed gases, and electrical systems.

Skills

Engine testbeds operation

Engine fundamentals

UUT palletisation

Instrumentation installation

AVL PUMA

ETAS INCA

Rig diagnostics

Safe working practices

Tools

AVL PUMA

ETAS INCA

Job description

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the UK and travel within the EU.*

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of multi‑cylinder engine testbeds, ensuring safe, test‑ready rigs through routine test cell checks and the installation and validation of instrumentation and equipment.
• Support engineers with steady‑state, transient, emissions, calibration, and durability test activities.
• Perform first‑line diagnosis and troubleshooting for mechanical, electrical, rig, and measurement issues.
• Operate AVL PUMA, ETAS INCA, and related tools at an operational level to run test steps and verify channel integrity.
• Assist with hardware changes, including injectors, sensors, turbo components, exhaust parts, hoses, and fuel system items.
• Maintain testbed readiness while driving continuous improvements in rig uptime, palletisation efficiency, measurement reliability, and overall test execution.
• Support installation or commissioning of new rigs, instrumentation, facility upgrades, or measurement systems.
• Follow all APRL safety procedures for rotating machinery, hot surfaces, fuel handling, compressed gases, and electrical systems.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Hands on experience operating combustion engine testbeds in a development or durability environment.
• Understanding of engine fundamentals, including combustion, turbocharging, fuelling, emissions, cooling, and lubrication.
• Practical knowledge of UUT palletisation systems and repeatable engine mounting practices.
• Skilled in installing and checking instrumentation for temperature, pressure, emissions, and airflow systems.
• Familiar with AVL PUMA and ETAS INCA for supporting test execution and basic troubleshooting.
• Able to diagnose rig issues, including sensor faults, wiring defects, leaks, vibration issues, and failures.
• Familiar with test procedures, engineering documentation, and safe working practices.

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a leading Automotive, Design, Engineering, Technology and Innovation Recruitment Consultancy. Founded in 1997, with an inhouse Contractor Care Team to support all external employees, acts as an employment agency for permanent and contract recruitment.