Test Technician – Mechanical

Pace XL Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Stock options

Private Medical & Dental

Cycle to work scheme

Lunchtime catering on site

Job summary

Pace XL Ltd. in Cambridge is seeking a Test Technician specialising in mechanical systems to support testing across defence and aerospace programmes. The role focuses on building test rigs, preparing articles and safely installing equipment for environmental and mechanical testing, working with Test Engineers and other technicians.

You will handle vibration, shock, thermal and climatic tests, following engineering drawings and procedures with attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Practical experience with mechanical equipment, assemblies or workshop tools.
• Ability to follow drawings, instructions and specified torques.
• Strong attention to detail and safe working in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble and modify test rigs, fixtures and adapters for engineering tests.
• Prepare, install and remove test articles for environmental tests.
• Assemble and disassemble products per drawings and test procedures.
• Use hand/tools and workshop equipment to machine components safely and accurately.
• Carry out dimensional checks using verniers, micrometers and height gauges.
• Support failure investigations, repairs and rework while maintaining tools and fixtures.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

Pillar drills

Band saws

Grinders

Lathes

Milling machines

Torque tools

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Test Technician specialising in mechanical systems to support the preparation and execution of testing across our defence and aerospace programmes.

This is a practical, workshop-based role focused on building test rigs and fixtures, preparing test articles and safely installing equipment for environmental and mechanical testing. You will work closely with Test Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and other technicians to support vibration, shock, thermal, climatic and system-level testing of complex aerospace products.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble and modify test rigs, fixtures, brackets, mounting plates and mechanical adapters to support engineering test activities
• Prepare, install and remove test articles for vibration, shock, thermal, humidity and other environmental test campaigns
• Assemble and disassemble mechanical and electro-mechanical products in accordance with engineering drawings, test procedures and assembly instructions
• Use hand tools, power tools, torque tools and workshop equipment to drill, cut, file, tap, finish and modify components safely and accurately
• Carry out dimensional checks, fixture inspections and pre-test readiness checks using equipment such as vernier callipers, micrometers and height gauges
• Support test failure investigations, repairs and rework while maintaining workshop tools, fixtures, lifting equipment and mechanical test hardware

Requirements

• Practical experience working with mechanical equipment, assemblies, engineering hardware or workshop tools
• Confidence using common hand tools, power tools and workshop equipment safely and accurately
• Ability to follow engineering drawings, assembly instructions, test procedures and specified fastener torques
• Basic understanding of mechanical assembly, fasteners, tolerances, materials and dimensional measurement
• Practical and methodical approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail
• Ability to produce clear and accurate build and test records while working safely in a fast-moving development environment

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Completion of a mechanical, manufacturing, maintenance or engineering apprenticeship, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience building mechanical rigs, fixtures, prototypes or test equipment using workshop machinery such as pillar drills, band saws, grinders, presses, lathes or milling machines
• Experience assembling electro-mechanical products or complex mechanical systems and using calibrated torque tools or mechanical measuring equipment
• Experience supporting vibration, shock, thermal or environmental testing using equipment such as environmental chambers or vibration shakers
• Experience interpreting CAD drawings or 3D models, with basic CAD experience in Siemens NX, SolidWorks or similar advantageous
• Experience in fast paced R&D or startup environments, with rapid prototype iteration times

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and stock options
• Private Medical & Dental
• Cycle to work scheme
• Lunchtime catering on site

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air: low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.

We are building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems needed to detect and target them, at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.

We have immense backing from some of the world’s leading venture funds. We are one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in history, and we are hiring talented people who want to develop their skills while contributing to an important mission.

If you are ambitious, eager to learn, willing to work hard and excited by the opportunity to build technology that addresses one of the defining challenges of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

We are interested in your practical ability, potential and willingness to learn, not whether you have followed a traditional academic career path.