Test Engineer

Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Test Engineer to join the Cockpit Controls team.

Stirling Dynamics design, develop and produce a wide range of high-end aircraft simulator ‘inceptors’ (pilot – machine interface devices). Stirling’s family of active controls are feature-rich, highly reconfigurable, and suitable for single or dual (linked) aircraft cockpit configurations. Our range of active products includes side sticks, throttles, collectives, cyclics, tillers and pedals. These controls are extremely compact, fully active and benefit from low-acquisition and through-life costs.

We have pioneered active control technology since the early 1990s and are proud to hold many industry and technology firsts, which includes supplying the controls for the first ever, fully active fly-by-wire helicopter flight. Today, we supply the active stick and throttles for the new F-35 pilot training simulators and continue to break new ground in cockpit control technology. The ‘Cockpit Control’ sector of the business that delivers the inceptor products, has a requirement for a Test Engineer within the Production Department. The products comprise of electrical, electronic, and mechanical subassemblies and therefore the role would involve tasks such as:

• Goods-in testing/fault finding of PCBs
• Development, First Article and Acceptance testing of the company products (equipment and system level)
• Interpreting and accurately recording test results
• Support the delivery and management of products through test (throughput/capacity planning)
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, electrical schematics and instructions
• Act as a stakeholder in the definition of requirements for PCBs, products and any associated test equipment/facilities
• Contribute to the ongoing upkeep of the test equipment asset inventory including; tracking, maintenance and purchasing of new equipment
• Writing test procedures for build-to-print and development products
• From a test perspective, reviewing conceptual designs and providing feedback
• Undertaking failure analysis investigations and producing non-conformance reports
• In-service production support, completing fault diagnosis and repair testing.

Responsible for the completion of production test activities, within the Cockpit Control department, to the required time, cost and quality.

• Contribute to ensuring that the necessary skills, equipment, tools and processes/procedures are in place to support the test requirements and ensure a safe (for both personnel and product) working environment
• Support more junior members within the team to achieve project time, cost and quality objectives
• Support the implementation and ongoing improvement of documentation relating to testing (e.g. test procedures, test reports, first article inspections etc
• Contribute to ensuring that test equipment, including rigs, are fit for purpose and appropriately maintained – including calibration were applicable
• Contribute to the ongoing upkeep of test equipment/assets

• Flexible, can-do approach
• Professional attitude
• Self-motivated to see tasks through to successful completion
• Takes pride in their work
• Good communication skills (written and oral)
• I.T. Literate
• Organised, thorough with good attention to detail – particularly with test documentation
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
• A methodical and pragmatic approach to engineering problem solving
• Ability to work to tight deadlines

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of working within a similar role i.e. High precision, high value electro-mechanical within the Aerospace or Precision Engineering Sectors
• Strong ability to read, understand and follow technical drawings both mechanical and electrical
• Experienced in the testing of electromechanical devices with imbedded software
• Experienced in fault finding and root cause analysis (component level through to system level)

We are offering a competitive package (Grade 2-3, £25,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience). 

We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially