Test & Development Engineer - Product Development Location: Preston, UK Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent Industry: Engineering | Product Innovation About the Role A well-established and innovative manufacturer is seeking a Test & Development Engineer to join its product development team. This role is central to the testing, validation, and refinement of new and existing products, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and compliance standards.The successful candidate will be involved throughout the product lifecycle-from concept and prototyping to final validation-providing technical insight and supporting continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Product Testing & Validation Plan and conduct product tests including performance, durability, and safety assessments Design and build test rigs and instrumentation setups Analyse test data and provide feedback to design and engineering teams Data Analysis & Reporting Interpret technical data using engineering tools and software Produce detailed reports and present findings to internal stakeholders Support root cause analysis and corrective actions Prototype Development & Evaluation Collaborate with design engineers to develop and assess prototypes Recommend design improvements based on test outcomes Ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulations Cross-functional Collaboration Liaise with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Compliance departments Assist in product certification and regulatory approval processes Contribute to project planning and delivery timelines Candidate Profile Qualification in Engineering-related discipline Experience in product testing, validation, or development within a manufacturing or engineering setting Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or materials science (depending on product type) Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB) and CAD software Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail Strong communication and technical documentation abilities Benefits Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on innovative and technically challenging products Supportive environment with career development and training opportunities Collaborative team culture focused on engineering excellence Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk