Senior/ Principal Materials Test Engineer
19 hours ago
Rotherham
About the Role:Join a leading test and measurement organisation and play a key role in advancing fatigue and durability testing capability. We are looking for a Senior / Principal Materials Test Engineer to provide technical leadership within our Advanced Materials Characterisation and Testing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer with a strong background in materials testing and the design, build, and maintenance of mechanical test rigs to take ownership of day-to-day laboratory operations and help shape future capability.This is a hands-on role at the heart of our operation. You’ll lead mechanical, fatigue, and durability testing programmes across both commercial and R&D projects, providing technical guidance and driving the development of new test methods. You’ll also ensure our laboratory runs at peak performance through the maintenance, calibration, and continuous improvement of testing equipment.As the technical authority for our labs, you’ll oversee rigs, equipment, and experiments—ensuring delivery is safe, efficient, and to the highest standard. Working closely with the Head of Materials Testing and engineering teams, you’ll turn requirements into robust test solutions while mentoring junior engineers and apprentices and helping evolve our durability testing capability.This role is based at our site in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.This role is fully site-based, with onsite working expected 5 days per week.What You Will Be Doing:Owning the day-to-day safe and effective operation of mechanical test rigs and laboratory facilities to ensure on-time deliveryConducting mechanical testing in support of commercial and R&D programmesTranslating complex or novel durability test requirements into safe, robust, and practical test setupsTroubleshooting technical issues and minimising downtime to maintain delivery continuityLeading ISO 17025 accreditation activities and ensuring ongoing compliance with quality standardsMaintaining laboratory assets, including rigs, fixturing, and instrumentation, ensuring they remain calibrated and fit for purposeLeading risk assessments and developing safe systems of work through procedures and work instructionsProducing engineering drawings for test specimens and fixturing for internal and external manufactureDriving continuous improvement in testing methods, laboratory processes, and data qualitySupervising, mentoring, and developing junior engineers and apprentices, while supporting customer engagement and the external promotion of the laboratoryWhat You Bring:Extensive hands-on expertise in mechanical testing, including the design, build, operation, and maintenance of servo-hydraulic test rigs and associated systemsDetailed knowledge of instrumentation, control systems, and data acquisition equipment used in mechanical testingDemonstrable experience leading or working towards ISO 17025 accreditation and quality systemsAbility to translate complex engineering requirements into practical, safe, and effective test solutionsSolid understanding of laboratory safety, including risk assessments, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER regulations and the development of safe systems of workProficiency in interpreting and producing engineering drawings for test specimens, fixtures, or equipmentA continuous improvement mindset, with experience enhancing test methods, processes, or data qualityLeadership capability, with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing engineers or apprentices and driving reliable test deliveryClear and effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to customers, suppliers, and stakeholdersProficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPointHands-on machining skills (e.g. milling and turning) would be desirable but are not essentialApplied knowledge of fatigue test methods would be advantageous but is not essentialTo be successful in this role, you will:Bring a proactive, hands-on approach, with a passion for working at the detail level and seeing ideas through to deliveryEnjoy tackling complex technical challenges and turning concepts into practical, real-world solutionsTake ownership and initiative, with the confidence to lead activities and drive outcomesThrive in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships while also working independently when neededCommunicate clearly and effectively, adapting your approach to engage a wide range of technical and non-technical stakeholdersMaintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in everything you doAct with integrity and professionalism, setting a positive example within the teamWhat We OfferAt HBK, we operate with a ‘freedom with responsibility’ philosophy. This allows for a good balance between work and family life and for constant development of professional and personal skills in an international and enjoyable working environment.Competitive salary with company bonus scheme37.5 hours per weekGroup pension scheme with employer pension contribution of 1.5 times the employee’s contribution, up to a maximum of 10.5%28 days of annual leave plus all Bank Holidays and 5 days of annual leave can be bought or soldHealth and Wellbeing Benefits include employee support assistance, private medical insurance & Medicash schemePaid Sick Leave and life assurance coverage equal to 4x the employee’s salarySupportive environment investing in continuous learning and development through mentorship and trainingFreedom with responsibility is the framework for HBK’s employees. This allows for a good balance between work and family life and for constant development of professional and personal skills in an international and enjoyable working environment.One company – HBK HBK (Hottinger, Brüel & Kjær) is a global leader in test and measurement, formed in 2019 through the merger of Brüel & Kjær and HBM. With over 3,000 employees across 80 countries, we deliver advanced solutions that help customers improve product performance and reliability. HBK operates within the Test and Measurement segment of Spectris. For further info please visit www.hbkworld.com.ApplicationPlease submit your application and CV by using the direct application link.Please note that we will be conducting interviews on an ongoing basis.We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.SummaryLocation: Rotherham, GBType: Full time