Test Manager/Commissioning Engineer

ATA Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Test Manager / Commissioning Engineer to lead on-site testing and commissioning of automation systems. The role demands expertise in automation, troubleshooting, and effective communication with clients to ensure that systems meet specifications from day one. This is an exciting opportunity for highly skilled professionals looking to contribute to high-performance automation projects across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven background in automation testing and commissioning.
• Experience with material handling systems (conveyors, shuttles).
• Skilled in troubleshooting and stress testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed test plans for automation systems.
• Log and resolve system defects.
• Run stress tests to identify potential failure points.

Skills

Automation Testing

Fault Management

Troubleshooting

Data Validation

System Volume/Stress Testing

Education

ECS/CSCS Card

Mechanical/Electrical Qualifications

Tools

Jira

PLC

SCADA

SAP WMS

Job description

Test Manager / Commissioning Engineer
(ECS Card Required | Outside IR35)
Sector: Automation / Manufacturing / Engineering (Not IT)
Rate: £350–£400 per day (Location Dependent)
Contract: 6 Months Initially | Monday–Friday, 07:00–17:00

About the Role

We’re looking for a highly skilled Test Manager / Commissioning Engineer to lead the on-site commissioning, testing, and validation of cutting-edge automated systems. This is a hands-on role ensuring every system performs exactly as specified—meeting customer needs and safety standards from day one.

You'll be key to delivering high-performance automation systems across sectors like manufacturing and materials handling. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy getting under the hood of complex systems, this role is for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Testing & Commissioning

• Develop and execute detailed test plans (e.g., SATs, performance tests)

• Ensure full alignment with technical specifications and safety regulations

Fault Management

• Log, track, and resolve system defects using tools such as Jira

• Manage retesting cycles and provide fix validation

️ Stress & Volume Testing

• Run system stress tests to identify potential failure points

• Evaluate performance under peak load conditions

Reporting & Communication

• Keep the Lead System Integration Manager (SIM) and Project Manager informed

• Support dashboards and reporting with accurate, timely data

Customer-Facing Work

• Act as the go-to contact for client-side test requirements

• Ensure clear communication and alignment throughout the test cycle

Technical Oversight

• Supervise WCS and PLC testing during system integration

• Validate communications between hardware/software layers

What We’re Looking For

• Proven background in automation testing and commissioning

• Experience with material handling systems (conveyors, shuttles, TMS, cranes)

• Strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and software-hardware messaging

• Familiarity with WCS/WMS (e.g., SAP WMS) and data flow analysis

• Solid mechanical/electrical system understanding (qualifications a plus)

• Skilled in system volume/stress testing and troubleshooting

• Proficient in Excel for data validation and reporting

• ECS/CSCS card essential for on-site operations

• Prior experience as a Test Manager or Commissioning Engineer in relevant sectors

Your Typical Day

• Join a morning planning meeting with the System Integration Manager

• Execute tests, log results, and track progress

• Troubleshoot system issues with the wider team

• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to meet key milestones

How to Apply

Ready to take on a vital role in a high-impact automation project?

ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website -

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You must be eligible to live and work within the UK. Sponsorship is not provided.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation