Position:  R&D Test Technician

Location:  Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Salary:  £32-37K

Nicholas Associates has an excellent opportunity for an R&D Test Technician, to join an innovative & growing client in the Sheffield area.

This is a hands-on role, in which you will be responsible for assisting in the development of our client's technology and support R&D initiatives. You will move between routine workshop duties and technical testing activities, investigating problems and using your judgement to recognise when engineering support is required.

You will provide practical support for the assembly, development and testing of equipment, taking ownership of day-to-day workshop activities. This is a varied, hands-on role covering workshop organisation, goods handling, mechanical assembly, inspection, test preparation and operation, together with accurate data capture and reporting.

The role requires strong mechanical skills, a methodical approach to testing and fault finding, and a willingness to contribute across all workshop activities.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean and organised workshop, including housekeeping, tool care, equipment maintenance and management of consumables.
• Coordinate goods in, checking deliveries against orders and specifications, identifying discrepancies and maintaining appropriate records.
• Manage stores, stock records, component identification and traceability, alongside packing and despatch of equipment and materials.
• Assemble, modify and maintain mechanical equipment, pipework and test rigs using engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications and work instructions.
• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections, record findings and identify defects or non-conformances.
• Prepare and configure test equipment, including mechanical connections, instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, ensuring readiness before testing.
• Operate equipment and conduct tests in accordance with agreed procedures, monitoring performance, investigating faults and escalating abnormal or unsafe conditions.
• Capture, organise and interrogate test data to identify trends, anomalies and equipment performance, supporting engineering investigations and development decisions.
• Produce clear test reports and maintain accurate records of equipment configurations, operating conditions, results and observations.
• Support the engineering team in selecting, specifying and sourcing test rig components, including instrumentation, valves, fittings and associated equipment.
• Maintain inspection, maintenance and calibration records, ensuring tools and measuring equipment remain suitable for use.
• Contribute to risk assessments, practical work instructions and improvements to workshop and testing activities.

Essential skills and experience

• Strong practical mechanical experience in a workshop, assembly, maintenance or engineering test environment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Competence in mechanical assembly, fitting, use of hand and power tools, and dimensional inspection using appropriate measuring equipment.
• A logical and methodical approach to mechanical fault finding and problem solving.
• Ability to follow test procedures, record reliable results and communicate findings clearly.
• Confidence using Excel or similar tools for data capture, basic analysis and reporting.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and a practical understanding of safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently within agreed priorities and competence, while collaborating closely with engineers and other team members.
• A relevant engineering apprenticeship or technical qualification, or equivalent practical experience.