Position : Test and Development Engineer
Location : Pontypridd, South Wales
Salary : £40,000-£50,000
Sector : Engineering, manufacturing
About the Role
* Responsible for conception, development and maintenance of product qualification and acceptance test programmes including new product development
* Problem diagnoses and feedback of recommendations into the Product Design Team, to overcome compliance and acceptance issues that may arise.
Day to Day
* Creation and oversight of test programmes
* Provide ongoing technical support for test programmes
* Identify time constraints within test programmes and use initiative to mitigate accordingly.
* Monitor and chase progress, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and line managers in a timely manner.
* Technical interpretation of requirements and test methods defined within national and professional bodies standards and specifications.
* Creation of test specifications that fully define test requirements to enable internal and external test facilities to complete work without ambiguity.
* Conceptualise and design test jigs, fixtures and custom test equipment to enable the products being tested to interface with test equipment.
* Provide assistance and support during interpretation of test requirements/specifications, test failures, ongoing testing activity and generally upon occurrence of issues that require guidance from Engineering. Support is required to be hands-on where required.
* Identification of, and liaison with, appropriate external test facilities where internal facilities do not meet the requirements of test specifications.
* Scrutiny of test setup at internal and external lab facilities; and approval of setups prior to test commencement, to ensure that test specifications have been understood and implemented correctly.
* Ensure that test results are recorded in a logical and analytical manner.
* Interpretation and analysis of test results and compilation of findings (and where necessary, recommendations) in technical reports to internal (NPD team, Quality Department, Business Development and Production Engineering) and external customers.
* Maintain requirements for national and professional bodies standards and incorporate changes into test programmes as required.
* Stay abreast of new technology and identify and suggest opportunities for improvement of current test lab equipment, software or methods.
* Work within strict procedures to ensure the company’s continued ‘test facility accreditation’ validity.
* Maintain a systematic approach and good housekeeping during the storage and use of technical documents stored within the company’s technical libraries.
* Use analytical techniques including risk-based testing and desktop design techniques where appropriate.
* Use exploratory testing techniques and use or re-use a broad range of tools, to support the delivery of testing services across product development.
* Where necessary, create equipment operating procedures to maximise the likelihood of successful test results.
Projects
With the support of the Test and Development Team Lead, be able to process a development project from the inception through to test report handover phase, including preparing test plans, test methods, test specifications, tender and material requirements. Monitoring progress and dealing with stakeholders including customers and suppliers.
Work as an integral collaborative member of a project team faithfully carrying out the activities that would be expected of a competent qualified professional. Such duties will include, but not be limited to:-
* Liaising with Engineering and Project teams in establishing test requirements through the development lifecycle for new products.
* Monitoring and ensuring timely completion of testing activities as part of the NPD process.
* Provide technical guidance in planning and executing assigned projects.
* Identify and mitigate projects risks that effect time, resources and scope across all projects.
* Support design reviews, DFMEA’s product testing and Project Meetings as part of NPD or other team meetings.
Design & Risk
* Provide consultation during the product's or project’s conception, design and initial product specifications.
* Identify and mitigate technological risks throughout the design process as well as product or process recommendations post-test for solving non-compliance issues.
* Support of the Product Management and Quality Assurance teams with complex customer enquiries and issues including quality related activities.
* May be required to resolve technical challenges with existing designs and support portfolio sustaining activities (refer to desired skills section).
General
* Within the engineering team, be able to escalate and articulate critical risks to line managers if required.
* Work within a strong multifunctional team environment.
* Maintain knowledge of the developing marketplace; and stay abreast of new trends and innovations.
* Understand and ensure compliance with procedural and documentation requirements
* Provide expertise for resolving technical problems.
* Interface effectively and build relationships with team members, other staff and key technology and component suppliers, both locally and globally.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
* Responsible for recording and sharing technical knowledge gained with colleagues.
* Maintain excellent housekeeping standards.
* Consideration of health and safety, environmental and energy impact of all activities.
* Promoting a continuous improvement culture within the team by coaching and standardising processes
About You
* Confident clear communication, both verbal and written. A high level of proficiency in English language (written) is essential. A high proportion of the role will involve technical writing, it is essential that content is clear, concise and conveyed using impeccable vocabulary and grammar.
* Be presented in a professional demeanour with good interpersonal skills and high levels of integrity.
* Be able to apply a structured logical approach to all work.
* Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
* The ability to balance working on multiple projects simultaneously.
* Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent technical Degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* 10+ years related engineering experience.
* Practical experience in one or more of the following business areas; defence and aerospace, mass transportation, medical, industrial, alternative energy or automotive.
* Experience in a highly regulated technical role with the ability to interpret and transpose the requirements of complex standards and specifications.
* Thorough understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles.
* Strong Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet).
* Strong project management skills