Lead Test Engineer

Lead Test Engineer at Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, Seven Beach, Bristol, drives QA, test and validation of complex electro-mechanical systems in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You will lead a testing team, embed continuous improvement, and ensure on-time, high-quality delivery for customers. The role combines hands-on technical work with people leadership to raise product reliability and manufacturing performance. A clear hook is the opportunity to shape testing practices across a world-class fabrication environment.

• competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + half-day Fridays
• private healthcare
• share incentive plan
• pension scheme
• flexible benefits tailored to your needs

• Lead testing and validation of complex electro-mechanical systems to meet quality, performance, and delivery targets
• Ensure testing activities follow approved procedures and documentation requirements
• Act as technical lead within the Test Team and support departmental operations
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance product quality, efficiency, and cost reduction
• Utilise FRACAS and fault reporting systems to capture, analyze, and resolve issues
• Promote Health & Safety, quality standards, 5S, and workplace cleanliness
• Support customer acceptance testing and act as a key point of contact during visits
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and other departments to resolve issues and improve processes
• Provide input for site installations and system commissioning as required
• Deputise for the Test Team Leader to maintain department effectiveness

• Experience testing and troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding abilities
• Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment with defined quality standards
• Ability to influence, motivate, and support colleagues to achieve objectives
• Excellent communication across multiple teams
• Strong IT literacy and experience with technical documentation and reporting systems

• influencing and motivating
• clear communication
• team collaboration
• electro-mechanical testing
• fault finding
• documentation and reporting systems