Test Development Engineer
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Test Development Engineer
Company: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Location: Colchester Office (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
We've delivered high-performance embedded computing solutions for four decades across industries including defence, telecoms, and aerospace. We’re proud to be experts in what we do and are looking for more brilliant people to join our team.
The Role
The Test Development Engineer is responsible for defining, developing, and supporting automated test systems that enable efficient and scalable production of embedded computing hardware. The role is engaged early in the product and board design cycle to drive testability, define ATE requirements, and shape the overall test architecture.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage early in PCB/board design reviews to define Design for Testability (DfT) requirements and influence product architecture.
- Capture, document, and maintain ATE requirements aligned with product and production needs.
- Work collaboratively with software ATE engineers to define and develop the overall ATE architecture (hardware, software, instrumentation, fixtures).
- Specify and design hardware elements of ATE systems, including fixtures, ITAs, harnesses, interface boards, and switching.
- Support development of automated test sequences and diagnostic routines with software ATE teams.
- Provide technical leadership through NPI, pilot builds, and full-scale production.
- Troubleshoot test failures, perform root-cause investigations, and drive yield and throughput improvements.
- Validate and qualify ATE systems before release to manufacturing.
- Maintain clear documentation: test procedures, interface schematics, wiring diagrams, and maintenance guides.
- Provide ongoing support for deployed ATE, including upgrades, calibration strategies, and process improvements.
- Support production growth by scaling test solutions, improving capacity, and optimizing test performance.
- Collaborate with design authority to provide input on product design and ensure alignment on test strategy.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of electronic hardware: digital/analog circuits, power sequencing, timing, and high-speed interfaces.
- Proven experience developing or supporting Automated Test Equipment in a production environment.
- Ability to define and influence test requirements early in product design.
- Experience collaborating with software ATE developers to build integrated test platforms.
- Proficiency with test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, PSUs, switching hardware).
- Familiarity with test automation tools.
- Experience with DfT, BIST, and diagnostic firmware features.
- Strong troubleshooting and fault-isolation capability.
- Strong documentation and requirements-writing skills.
- Ability to work effectively with hardware, firmware, software, production, and quality teams.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with embedded computing systems or complex multilayer PCBs.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes (SMT, assembly, AOI, functional test).
- Understanding of reliability analysis, yield improvement.
- Experience with qualification or environmental testing.
- Ability to design simple custom electronics for test fixtures or adapters.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, industrial computing, or other high-reliability environments.
- Experience planning test capacity and designing ATE systems for production scaling and throughput growth.
Benefits for working at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
- 25 days holidays + bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme.
- Annual profit share bonus.
- Cycle to work, Home & Tech and car salary sacrifice schemes.
- Death in service benefit & income protection.
- Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Generous company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
- One paid volunteering day per year.
- Private Health Insurance through Bupa.
- YuLife wellbeing app.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team. We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age. Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.
Security Clearance
Please be aware that certain roles working for [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] will be subject to security and export control restrictions. These specific roles are therefore subject to candidates being able to meet BPSS level pre-employment screening criteria. For more information and guidance about security requirements please visit: UK Security Vetting Clearance Levels.
GDPR
By applying for this position, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s Data Protection Policy. We will use your information solely for recruitment purposes and will not share it with third parties without your consent. Your data will be stored securely and retained only as long as necessary for the recruitment process. You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data at any time. For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.