Test Technician​/Engineer

Position: Test Technician / Engineer
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:

* Hands-on mechanical testing of components and assemblies for space and vacuum applications

* Assembly, setup, commissioning, and operation of test rigs and facilities

* Working accurately and consistently to defined test procedures and quality processes

* Executing tests, monitoring performance, identifying issues, and supporting fault investigation

* Recording, analysing, and interpreting test data

* Producing clear, high-quality technical test reports

* Liaising with internal stakeholders, clients, and suppliers

* 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:

* Experience in a test engineering or test technician role, or a similar hands-on engineering environment

* Strong mechanical aptitude and experience building, assembling, or testing mechanical components

* Comfortable working to procedures, specifications, and quality standards

* High attention to detail and a methodical approach to work

* Ability to prioritise tasks and communicate progress effectively

* Good written and verbal communication skills

* A collaborative, team-focused mindset

Desirable:

* Aerospace or space industry experience

* Experience working in a laboratory, cleanroom, vacuum, or controlled test environment

* Exposure to tribology, bearings, gears, or other mechanical contact components

* Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, calibration, or test facility commissioning

* Background in defence, aerospace, or a Naval apprenticeship

* Familiarity with ISO
9001 / AS9100 quality management systems

Qualifications

* HND, degree, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
   or

* A strong apprenticeship background with relevant hands-on test experience

Development & Training

The role offers structured on-the-job training and development in:

* Space tribology and vacuum testing practices

* Specialist test equipment and facilities

* 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