Test & Development Engineer

Overview

and Responsibilities

Introduction

We require a Test & Development Engineer to join our busy Engineering Team based at our site in Abercynon South Wales.

The role will be reporting to the Test and Development Team Lead. The Test & Development Engineer is responsible for conception, development and maintenance of product qualification and acceptance test programmes for the company's Connector and Interconnect product portfolios. Primarily focused on new products concieved through the product roadmap. (NPD); the role also requires support and oversight of exisiting, legacy and sustaining products; and the potential for testing of products designed and supplied by third parties. The role will necessitate problem diagnoses and feedback of recommendations into the NPD project team, to overcome compliance and acceptance issues that may arise. 

Key Responsibilities - Test & Development 

Primarily focused on NPD projects - Creation and oversight of test programmes for new and existing products, utilising internal, and external test facilities, domestically and overseas where necessary, to verify and validate that products meet technical requirements. Ownership of product approval maintenance processes and procedures. Liaising with Production Engineering (NPI) with consideration of scaling-up type tests into production process (volume) where necessary. Provide ongoing technical support for test programmes. Identify time constraints within test programmes and use initiative to mitigate accordingly. Monitor and chase progress, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and line managers in a timely manner. Technical interpretation of requirements and test methods defined within national and professional bodies’ standards and specifications. Creation of test specifications that fully define test requirements to enable internal and external test facilities to complete work without ambiguity. Identify requirements for, conceptualise and design test jigs, fixtures and custom test equipment to enable the products being tested to interface with test equipment. Thereupon maximising likelihood of positive test results. Provide assistance and support, where required, to lab technicians during interpretation of test requirements/specifications, test failures, ongoing testing activity and generally upon occurrence of issues that require guidance from Engineering. Support is required to be hands-on where required. Identification of, and liaison with, appropriate external test facilities where internal facilities do not meet the requirements of test specifications. Scrutiny of test setup at internal and external lab facilities; and approval of setups prior to test commencement, to ensure that test specifications have been understood and implemented correctly. Via specifications, provide the means for test results to be recorded in a logical and analytical manner. Interpretation and analysis of test results and compilation of findings (and where necessary, recommendations) in technical reports to internal (NPD team, Quality Department, Business Development and Production Engineering) and external customers. Stay abreast of changes to national and professional bodies standards and incorporate changes into test programmes as required. Stay abreast of new technology and identify and suggest opportunities for improvement of current test lab equipment, software or methods. Work within strict procedures to ensure the company’s continued ‘test facility accreditation’ validity. Maintain a systematic approach and good housekeeping during the storage and use of technical documents stored within the company’s technical libraries. Use analytical techniques including risk-based testing and desktop design techniques where appropriate. Use exploratory testing techniques and use or re-use a broad range of tools, to support the delivery of testing services across product development.

Key Responsibilities - Projects 

With the support of the Test and Development Team Lead, be able to process a development project from the inception through to test report handover phase, including preparing test plans, test methods, test specifications, tender and material requirements. Monitoring progress and dealing with stakeholders including customers and suppliers.

Work as an integral collaborative member of a project team faithfully carrying out the activities that would be expected of a competent qualified professional. Such duties will include, but not be limited to:-

Liaising with Engineering and Project teams in establishing test requirements through the development lifecycle for new products. Monitoring and ensuring timely completion of testing activities as part of the NPD process. Provide technical guidance in planning and executing assigned projects. Identify and mitigate projects risks that effect time, resources and scope across all projects. Support design reviews, DFMEA’s, product testing and Project Meetings as part of NPD or other team meetings.

Key Responsibilities - Design & Risk 

Provide consultation during the product's or project’s conception, design and initial product specifications. Identify and mitigate technological risks throughout the design process as well as product or process recommendations post-test for solving non-compliance issues. Support of the Product Management and Quality Assurance teams with complex customer enquiries and issues including quality related activities. May be required to resolve technical challenges with existing designs and support portfolio sustaining activities (refer to desired skills section).

Key Responsibilties - General 

Within the engineering team, be able to escalate and articulate critical risks to line managers if required. Work within a strong multifunctional team environment. Maintain knowledge of the developing marketplace; and stay abreast of new trends and innovations. Understand and ensure compliance with procedural and documentation requirements of TT, ISO and other product specific design controls Provide expertise for resolving technical problems. Interface effectively and build relationships with team members, other staff and key technology and component suppliers, both locally and globally. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Responsible for recording and sharing technical knowledge gained with colleagues. Maintain excellent housekeeping standards. Consideration of health and safety, environmental and energy impact of all activities. Promoting a continuous improvement culture within the team by coaching and standardising processes

Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

Qualification/Skills/Personal Qualities – CORE

Confident clear communication, both verbal and written. A high level of proficiency in English language (written) is essential. A high proportion of the role will involve technical writing, it is essential that content is clear, concise and conveyed using impeccable vocabulary and grammar. Be presented in a professional demeanour with good interpersonal skills and high levels of integrity. Be able to apply a structured logical approach to all work. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a team. The ability to balance working on multiple projects simultaneously. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent technical Degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 10+ years related engineering experience. Practical experience in one or more of the following business areas; defence and aerospace, mass transportation, medical, industrial, alternative energy or automotive. Experience in a highly regulated technical role with the ability to interpret and transpose the requirements of complex standards and specifications. Thorough understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles. Strong Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet). Strong project management skills

Qualification/Skills/Personal Qualities – DESIRED

Experienced with connector product development and have a strong proven track record in innovation and project management of development projects. Previous experience working in a test environment in an engineering support role is desirable including:Specification analysis and understandingPrevious experience in the design of mechanical systems, tooling, rigs, jigs and associated fixtures.An understanding of electrical principles would be beneficial. Experience working within a nationally accredited test lab and/or an understanding of the accreditation services provided by national bodies would be beneficial.

Depending on the applicant’s experience, the role may require product design (mechanical) tasks to be fulfilled. Therefore, the following skills would be desirable:

Ability to progress through design actions for new products, or improvement of legacy products – initial product specification and subsequent detail design. Continually contribute to generation of intellectual property Conduct engineering studies and investigations, and prepare reports for company leadership. Explore new and existing materials and methods to solve design challenges. Review product documentation for accuracy. Apply strong engineering principles to achieve product design requirements. Use multidisciplinary engineering knowledge to design and develop innovative products in support of company’s strategic plan.

What We Offer 

From this role you will have the opportunity to develop the experience needed to explore and progress to more senior leadership roles within the TT Electronics Abercynon or the wider group if this is in your own career plan.

Enhanced pension contributions Healthcare cashback plan Employee assistance programme Site incentive plan Financial wellbeing benefit Discounted online and high street shopping and lifestyle vouchers Cycle to Work Scheme Discounted RAC membership Discounted Gym membership at local leisure centres Specsavers vouchers 183.75 hours annual leave plus bank holidays Free Weekly Fruit  A supportive and friendly working environment with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability

TT Electronics are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and actively encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Our Recruitment Process

Initially we will reach out to you for an informal conversation about the role. This will allow you the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about TT, our site and our team. It will also give us the chance to learn more about you and your experience to date. At this point both parties have the opportunity to decide if they would like to continue with the process.

Formal Interviews will be held on site and include a tour of the facility.

Due to the specific projects TT Electronics Abercynon Supports we are unable to sponsor work visas for this role. Candidates will be required to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard Clearance and hold UK or US citizenship.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre and during employment drug and alcohol testing.

Solving Technology Challenges for a Sustainable World

We want the very best people in our TT family across the globe – so we welcome applications from everyone, to celebrate a diverse mix of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and you can rest assured that TT Electronics takes positive steps to ensure we are an inclusive business, that will welcome and support you, from your initial application to wherever your career takes you Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to your application, in order that we can accommodate and support you in the process. If you want to work for a company where who you are is valued and respected, we’d love to hear from you.

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