Associate Hardware Test Engineer

This role is available full-time for 37 hours per week / Flexible or compressed working patterns available.

This role is based in the office.

Your experience in Hardware Testing can help protect national security!

Want to know how?

As a Hardware Test Engineer, you already know how important it is that products work as they’re designed to and meet the needs of the customer. Now imagine that product is used by the UK Government to help keep our country safe. Your role doesn’t get much more vital than that.

You’ll work with development teams and be proactive in addressing problems early. You’ll design and perform vital lab-based development testing to ensure our products meet agreed specification, performance, safety, and reliability criteria.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across broad range of technologies and technical capabilities at various stages in the life cycle and have a hand in defining test approach for the organisation.

Analogue and digital communications, IT and networking components, PCBs, modules, sub-systems, or complete systems; our products range from the bespoke, one-of-a-kind to repeat builds incorporating commercial-off-the-shelf elements.

You’ll be able to contribute to best practice within our test community, working on future technology to ensure our capability and equipment keeps ahead of emerging trends.

Through our test community, you’ll be able to access coaching and mentoring from experienced engineers across our business, ensuring your career growth and professional development.

It’s a big ask, which is why you’ll be supported throughout your career with us, not only training, but by being part of a supportive team.

No need to sacrifice other areas of your life for a career you love, which is why we offer a range of flexible working so you can achieve that work life balance.

More About You

To apply for this role, you will already have:

• A relevant scientific qualification OR experience in at least one of the following disciplines:

o Audio and Acoustics

o RF

o Telecommunications systems including PSTN and ISDN

o Cellular & Wireless systems such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

o Global Satellite Navigation Systems such as GPS, Galileo or GLONASS

o Satellite Communication systems

o Video systems

o Intruder Detection Systems

• Ability to understand and interpret analogue and digital circuit schematics

• Ability to perform and interpret technical measurements in a laboratory environment, including familiarity and use of at least one of the following common laboratory equipment:

o Voltmeters and Ammeters

o Oscilloscopes

o Audio generators and Analysers

o RF signal generators

o Spectrum and Network Analysers

o Communication Analysers

To strengthen your application, it would be beneficial if you also have:

• Familiarity with automated test environments such as LabVIEW or similar

• Familiarity with software languages, such as Python

• Awareness of circuit simulation using products such as LTspice

• Ability to work within Agile development methodologies

Your Personal Skills

You will be the type of person who:

• Has a critical thinking and methodical mindset.

• The desire to help to improve testing practices within your team and the wider testing profession.

• The drive to continuously improve your own knowledge and skills.

• Enjoys working with complex systems and has a keen eye for detail

• Is passionate about technology and the latest technological trends

• Can communicate with colleagues at all levels, across multiple disciplines

Putting your skills to use

Using your diverse range of skills within a development team, you will:

• Assist with preparation of Verification Test Specifications in conjunction with the design teams

• Perform detailed manual tests and measurements as defined in Strategies, Procedures and Specifications on both prototypes (to aid and inform the design phase) as well as performing and recording formal tests on representative final designs

• Assist in preparation of physical test jigs and harnesses to facilitate the required tests and measurements

• Assist in preparation and running of automated test scripts and routines

• Document/record results in accordance with our latest data management and development policies and methodologies

What we Offer

Now that we’ve explained a bit about what you will we be doing, here’s what we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years’ service.

• 8 Bank Holiday days off in addition to your annual leave.

• 2 ½ additional days leave (set dates through the year).

• Paid overtime or time off in lieu. Your salary is for your contracted hours. If you work more, we believe you should be rewarded for that.

• Training. Lots and lots of training. This can be anything from a ½ day internal course to a distant learning degree. If it’s relevant to your career, we will aim to support you.

• Pension. Our Pension scheme is Alpha. It’s competitive.

• Sports & Social Society. Whether its classic cars or baking, golf or crafting, we have a society for you.

• On site nursery (subject to availability).

• 3 days paid leave a year to support a registered charity of your choice.

• Free parking

• Free onsite gym, open 24 hours a day

• Relocation Package*

• Affinity Groups – whether you are disabled, LGBTQ and/or from an Ethnic Minority. We provide an inclusive environment and support for everyone.

About HMGCC

We are HMGCC, the engineering specialists at the heart of the UK’s national security.

We work with the National Security Community, UK Government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.

We invest in our people, not only with training but also support throughout your career with us; to allow you to reach your full potential at work, as well as enjoy the work/life balance many aspire to.

To find out more about us and if we’re right for you, please visit our website.