Test Engineer

Symmetric Recruitment Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Sea Trials Engineer in Plymouth. This hands-on position focuses on testing and operating innovative uncrewed platforms, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering and at least 2 years of marine operations experience. The role offers flexible hours, paid overtime, and involvement in advanced subsea technology projects. A commitment to safety and teamwork is essential.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development support

Paid overtime

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marine operations, vehicle trials, or field testing.
• Proven hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems.
• Comfortable working at sea and in varied outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support structured sea trials and field tests of vehicles and subsystems.
• Diagnose, repair, and maintain electro-mechanical and control systems.
• Prepare vehicles for deployment, including pre-trial checkouts and post-trial servicing.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Degree or equivalent in an engineering, marine, or technical discipline

Job description

Sea Trials Engineer | Plymouth, UK

We’re representing a pioneering engineering company in Plymouth developing underwater and surface vehicle systems for the defence and subsea sectors.

This role is hands‑on and varied, combining engineering expertise with practical field work at sea. You’ll play a key part in testing, operating, and maintaining cutting‑edge uncrewed platforms — ensuring they meet demanding performance and safety standards.

Working within a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment, you’ll support the full lifecycle of bespoke subsea and surface systems from assembly and integration through to sea trials and operational deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and support structured sea trials and field tests of vehicles and subsystems
• Diagnose, repair, and maintain electro‑mechanical and control systems
• Assist with hardware and software integration, calibration, and fault‑finding
• Prepare vehicles for deployment, including pre‑trial checkouts and post‑trial servicing
• Capture and report operational data to engineering teams for ongoing product development
• Support launch, recovery, and small boat operations while maintaining safety and professionalism

Essential Requirements

• Degree or equivalent in an engineering, marine, or technical discipline
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marine operations, vehicle trials, or field testing
• Proven hands‑on experience with electrical and mechanical systems
• Comfortable working at sea and in varied outdoor environments
• Strong problem‑solving ability, teamwork, and attention to detail
• Commitment to safety and quality standards

Desirable Experience

Experience operating or maintaining uncrewed marine or robotic systems, knowledge of data acquisition or control integration, and familiarity with research or defence trials would be beneficial. Seamanship skills or RYA / STCW qualifications are also advantageous.

The Opportunity

You’ll be part of a company at the forefront of uncrewed vehicle development, with flexible working hours between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday. Paid overtime is available, along with professional development support, chartership pathways, and involvement in exciting, high‑profile subsea technology projects. Occasional travel and sea trials may require flexibility.

If you’re a practical engineer who enjoys variety, problem‑solving, and hands‑on technical work, this is a rare opportunity to join a team pushing the boundaries of marine innovation.

Apply confidentially or contact us for an informal discussion.