Test Engineer (Hardware)
- Peterlee, United Kingdom
Posted 3 days ago
About the role
Overview
We are looking to recruit a proactive and detail-oriented Test Engineer (Hardware) who will be working within the Engineering team and reporting to the Hardware Team Lead, this is a hardware-focused test engineering role responsible for the design, build, wiring and commissioning of the fixtures and equipment used to test the company’s products.
The primary function is to produce robust, well-wired and reliable test fixtures – selecting and integrating instruments, harnesses, connectors and interface hardware, and diagnosing electrical and electronic faults on both fixtures and products.
The postholder also requires a working knowledge of the software side – able to run, configure and make minor changes to the test software and instrument drivers, and to work effectively with our software-focused Test Engineers – though software development is a supporting skill rather than the primary function of this role. Where software changes are required, AI-assisted methods (Claude) are the primary approach for new development, while LabVIEW is used only to maintain legacy ATE sites and is being phased out.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The below list is not exhaustive, but the main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Design, build, wire and commission test fixtures and jigs for product and PCB testing
- Select, integrate and wire up instruments, harnesses, connectors, relays and interface hardware into reliable, repeatable test systems
- Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic faults on test fixtures and on products, to component level where required
- Read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings, and produce clear fixture wiring documentation
- Own the mechanical and electrical bring-up of new fixtures, ensuring safe, repeatable and accurate operation
- Maintain, calibrate and improve existing test equipment and fixtures to ensure accuracy, reliability and uptime
- Work with software-focused Test Engineers to integrate fixtures with test software and instrument drivers – running, configuring and making minor changes to test software as needed (supporting function)
- Support the verification and validation of test equipment and fixtures against the test plan
- Provide hands-on technical and fault-finding support to production and the wider test team
- Contribute hardware and testing input into the NPI and PFMEA processes for new products
- Support NPD with hands-on build and wiring of validation and conformance test fixtures, providing hands-on test support when required
- Prepare clear fixture documentation and test reports, and keep records in line with quality and company procedures
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
The postholder will possess a range of the following knowledge, skills, and behaviours:
- Degree or HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience
- Strong practical skills in building and wiring test fixtures – harnessing, crimping, soldering and connectorisation to a high standard
- Strong electrical and electronic fault-finding/troubleshooting skills – on test equipment, fixtures and products, to component level where required
- Able to read and work from schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings
- Experience selecting and integrating test instruments and interface hardware (e.g. DAQ systems, power supplies, electronic loads, relays and sensors)
- A working knowledge of the software side – able to run, configure and make minor changes to test software and instrument drivers, and to work with software-focused Test Engineers (a supporting skill, secondary to the hardware role)
- Familiarity with instrument interfaces such as serial, USB, I²C/SPI, SCPI/VISA or digital I/O
- Where software changes are needed, willingness to use AI-assisted tools such as Claude for new development; LabVIEW experience beneficial for legacy ATE support only and is being phased out
- Experience using SQL databases for test data acquisition and storage would be an advantage
- Strong understanding of electronics fundamentals and digital communications
- Structured, detail-oriented and safety-conscious approach to fixture build, wiring and documentation
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with good record-keeping
- Highly organised and self-motivated, able to work both autonomously and as part of a team
Core Soft Skills
The postholder will be required to demonstrate the following key core soft skills for their band:
- Commitment
- Strong work ethic
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork
- Embodies the organisations core values
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Project Management
- Commercial Awareness
ABT’s interview process consists of two stages. The first stage will be an online interview with a member of the team, where we’ll provide more insight into ABT and the role itself, as well as ask a range of technical questions to further assess the candidate’s knowledge and capability.
The second and final stage will be an on-site interview with the wider team, which will give us the opportunity to assess cultural and team fit, while also allowing the candidate to experience our environment first-hand. This stage will also include further discussion around the role, responsibilities, and the candidate’s experience, ensuring both sides have a clear understanding of expectations.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£43,000.00 per year
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
- electrical & electronic fault-finding: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person