Instrumentation Engineer (Test & Validation)

In this role you apply instrumentation, testing and data-acquisition expertise to develop and validate Caterpillar's construction equipment. You will work within the Product Development, Test & Validation team at Desford to deliver accurate measurement solutions and robust data for informed product decisions. You will manage the full test lifecycle from requirements to data-quality verification and equipment assurance, helping to ensure safe, reliable test results. This is a hands-on role that combines instrumentation design, installation and data analysis to support world-class validation.

• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 10% Bonus
• contributory pension scheme with company doubling up to 10%
• contributory share scheme with 50% company match
• Employee Support Networks
• optional flexible benefits including private health & dental care

• Define instrumentation and data-acquisition requirements with test engineers and product development teams, selecting sensors, transducers, signal-conditioning equipment, cabling and hardware
• Plan, install and commission instrumentation systems on construction equipment, test rigs and components
• Configure and verify data-acquisition systems to capture accurate, repeatable and traceable data across various signals
• Monitor data quality, verify channel configuration, sensor scaling and sample rates, and address risks before tests
• Diagnose instrumentation, wiring, communication and data-acquisition issues during machine testing
• Maintain and improve instrumentation equipment and records including calibration status and obsolescence
• Support lab quality and continuous improvement, contributing to the ISO/IEC 17025 management system
• Build strong working relationships across functions and share instrumentation knowledge

• Applied knowledge of instrumentation and data-acquisition systems to select, configure, install and maintain equipment
• Strong working knowledge of sensors and data-acquisition systems, including configuration and verification of measurement systems
• Experience with data-acquisition and analysis platforms such as Dewesoft, HBK, National Instruments, Vector, ETAS or similar
• Understanding of laboratory quality principles, ISO/IEC 17025, calibration, traceability and equipment assurance; awareness of CAN-based vehicle communications and strain-gauge techniques

• Collaboration and ability to build cross-functional relationships
• Attention to detail and rigorous verification
• Troubleshooting and systematic problem-solving
• Instrumentation and data-acquisition system design
• Sensor selection and signal conditioning
• Calibration and data quality assurance