Test Technician / Test Engineer – Space & Vacuum Systems
Location: Birchwood Park, Warrington
Employment Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits including 25 days’ annual leave plus statutory holidays, additional leave purchase, up to 8% matched pension contribution, private healthcare, life assurance and more.
The Role
We are seeking a practical, detail-oriented Test Technician / Test Engineer to join a well-established and growing space engineering organisation. The role sits within a testing and technical consultancy team, supporting commercial space businesses and major international space programmes, including work associated with the European space sector.
This is a hands-on laboratory-based position, ideal for someone with experience in mechanical testing or test engineering who enjoys working to procedures, building and testing components, and taking responsibility for delivering high-quality test results. The role is open to candidates from either an engineering or technician background, with strong opportunities for development.
This is a replacement position within a financially stable and steadily growing business.
The Organisation
Our client is a leading science and engineering services company providing specialist technical consultancy, products, and testing services across the space, industrial, transport, and energy sectors. The space division supports both long-established international programmes and a rapidly growing commercial space market, offering exposure to technically challenging and varied projects.
Key Responsibilities
You will be involved in the end-to-end delivery of test projects, including:
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Hands-on mechanical testing of components and assemblies for space and vacuum applications
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Assembly, setup, commissioning, and operation of test rigs and facilities
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Working accurately and consistently to defined test procedures and quality processes
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Executing tests, monitoring performance, identifying issues, and supporting fault investigation
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Recording, analysing, and interpreting test data
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Producing clear, high-quality technical test reports
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Liaising with internal stakeholders, clients, and suppliers
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Supporting both commercial R&D projects and longer-term international programmes
Work will be primarily laboratory / cleanroom-based, with some desk-based analysis and reporting. Occasional UK and international travel may be required.
About You
Essential:
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Experience in a test engineering or test technician role, or a similar hands-on engineering environment
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Strong mechanical aptitude and experience building, assembling, or testing mechanical components
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Comfortable working to procedures, specifications, and quality standards
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High attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
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Ability to prioritise tasks and communicate progress effectively
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Good written and verbal communication skills
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A collaborative, team-focused mindset
Desirable:
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Aerospace or space industry experience
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Experience working in a laboratory, cleanroom, vacuum, or controlled test environment
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Exposure to tribology, bearings, gears, or other mechanical contact components
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Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, calibration, or test facility commissioning
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Background in defence, aerospace, or a Naval apprenticeship
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Familiarity with ISO9001 / AS9100 quality management systems
Qualifications
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HND, degree, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
or
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A strong apprenticeship background with relevant hands-on test experience
Development & Training
The role offers structured on-the-job training and development in:
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Space tribology and vacuum testing practices
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Specialist test equipment and facilities
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Technical reporting and consultancy skills
This position offers a varied, challenging, and long-term opportunity within a respected space engineering environment.
Right to Work
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK