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 ISO9001 / 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