Validation Engineer

We are looking for a Validation Engineer to sit at the centre of our test and validation operation — someone who can both define what needs to be tested and get on the floor to do it.

This is not a pure execution role. You will work with Test and Validation Engineers and systems owners to understand what a subsystem must demonstrate, then translate that into structured test procedures, acceptance criteria, and measurement plans. When the rig is ready, you run the tests yourself: hooking up sensors, operating DAQ systems, acquiring clean data, and writing the reports that engineering teams sign off on.

Fabrication skills are a bonus — if you can also turn a bracket or jig to support a test setup, that is valuable, but the defining output of this role is structured, repeatable test procedures and the data they produce.

• Test Procedures: Author clear, structured test procedures from engineering requirements or verbal briefs — covering setup, instrumentation, execution steps, pass/fail criteria, and data capture format.
• Acceptance Criteria: Work with systems owners and senior engineers to define measurable acceptance criteria for hardware under test.
• Test Plans: Translate validation scope into test plans that sequence activities, flag dependencies, and align with the project schedule.
• Method Development: Identify gaps in existing test coverage and propose new methods or measurement approaches to close them.

• Electromechanical Measurement: Set up and operate measurement equipment for electromechanical testing — sensors, actuators, harnesses, and mechatronic assemblies.
• Mechanical Measurements: Perform mechanical measurements including speed, displacement, force, stress, and strain using appropriate instrumentation (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, encoders).
• DAQ Systems: Configure, operate, and maintain Data Acquisition systems. Connect sensors, set up logging sessions, verify signal integrity, and export structured datasets for engineer review.

• Test Execution: Execute test procedures to the letter — operating rigs, maintaining conditions, logging deviations, and flagging anomalies in real time.
• Engineering Reports: Author clear engineering test reports — data tables, plots, test conditions, pass/fail outcomes, and observations that engineering teams can act on directly.
• Root Cause Analysis: Participate in fault investigation, applying systematic thinking to identify failure modes in hardware under test.
• External Test Houses: Prepare samples and documentation for external test house engagements; liaise on logistics and scheduling.

• Tooling & Consumables: Coordinate ordering of tooling, PPE, and consumables — tracking stock levels and ensuring the lab is always equipped to work.
• 5S Management: Contribute to and sustain the 5S regime on the test floor.
• Equipment Health: Perform routine maintenance and calibration checks on lab equipment; flag items requiring service before they become blockers.

• Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with components used in robotics, aerospace, or automotive systems — understanding what a part is, how it moves, and what it can tolerate.
• Supplier Liaison: Interact with external suppliers for parts, materials, and services — communicating requirements clearly and following up on lead times.

• Background: Hands-on experience in a test and validation environment in robotics, aerospace, or automotive — you understand how these systems are qualified, not just how they are built.
• Test Definition: Demonstrable experience writing test procedures, test plans, or acceptance criteria from engineering requirements. You have authored methods, not just followed them.
• CAD: Working CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) — able to read and edit models, design simple fixtures and jigs, and produce drawings for fabrication.
• Measurement & DAQ: Experience with electromechanical test and measurement equipment and at least one DAQ platform (National Instruments, Dewesoft, HBK, or similar) — hardware setup, software configuration, and data export.
• Problem Solving: Methodical approach to troubleshooting — able to isolate a problem, propose a fix, and verify the result.

• Fabrication: Competency with machine tools (lathe, mill, pillar drill) and hand tools for light fabrication of fixtures and jigs.
• Scripting: Python or MATLAB for test data processing or basic automation.
• Root Cause Analysis: Familiarity with structured RCA techniques (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA).
• 5S / Lean: Experience running or auditing a 5S programme in a lab or production environment.
• External Test Houses: Prior experience coordinating sample preparation and logistics with accredited test facilities.

• Mechanical Measurement: Callipers, Micrometers, CMM (basic), Dial Gauges
• Sensors: Load Cells, Strain Gauges, Accelerometers, Encoders, Thermocouples
• DAQ Systems (NI, Dewesoft, HBK, or equivalent)
• Hand Tool Sets — metrology, fitting, finishing
• Lathe, Milling Machine, Pillar Drill (where applicable)

• Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), 15 days of paid sick leave, and paid company holidays.
• Fully funded private healthcare for UK employees, with broad provider access, virtual and in‑pers