Job Title: Hardware Test Engineer
Location: Colchester
Salary: £35,000 to £40,000
Employment Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements: Onsite working
A growing engineering team in Colchester is looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to take ownership of testing and validating electronic hardware across the full product lifecycle.
You’ll create structured test plans, carry out hands‑on hardware and environmental testing, debug issues, and ensure products meet performance and reliability standards. This is a practical, lab‑based role ideal for someone who enjoys deep technical problem‑solving.
What you’ll be doing
- Creating hardware test plans, test cases, and supporting documentation
- Performing hands‑on hardware testing (functional, performance, reliability)
- Conducting environmental tests including thermal cycling, shock, vibration, humidity
- Using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, multimeters, power supplies, and other lab tools
- Debugging hardware issues down to component or subsystem level
- Logging, tracking, and resolving defects with hardware, firmware, and design teams
- Writing basic Python or Linux shell scripts to support or automate test activities
- Maintaining requirements traceability using Jama, DOORS, or similar tools
- Supporting continuous improvement of test processes and coverage
What you’ll bring
- Strong experience in electronics hardware testing
- Proven ability to create structured test plans and documentation
- Hands‑on experience with environmental and stress testing
- Confident debugging skills using standard lab equipment
- Ability to write simple Python or Linux scripts
- Familiarity with Jama, DOORS, or other requirements management tools
- Methodical, analytical approach with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable working independently in a lab environment
Nice to have
- Experience with automated test frameworks
- Knowledge of EMC, safety, or compliance testing
- Exposure to embedded systems or firmware‑hardware interaction
Why join
- Permanent role with long‑term progression
- Hands‑on, technically challenging work with real product impact
- Supportive engineering culture with strong collaboration
- Opportunity to shape test strategy and influence product quality