Workshop Test Lead

Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Test Lead to join the Production 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 Lead within the Production Department.

The products comprise of electrical, electronic, and mechanical subassemblies and therefore the role would involve tasks such as:

• Supporting the delivery and management of products through test (throughput/capacity planning)
• Contributing to the ongoing upkeep of the test equipment asset inventory including tracking, maintenance and purchasing of new equipment
• Reporting issues to the Product Manager that arise within the test area
• Working with the “Workshop Lead” to ensure continuous improvement within the production area
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, electrical schematics and instructions
• Writing test procedures for build-to-print and development products
• Interpreting and accurately recording test results
• Undertaking failure analysis investigations and producing non-conformance reports
• In-service production support, completing fault diagnosis and repair testing
• Development, First Article and Acceptance testing of the company products (equipment and system level)
• Act as a stakeholder in the definition of requirements for PCBs, products and any associated test equipment/facilities
• From a test perspective, reviewing conceptual designs and providing feedback
• Goods-in testing/fault finding of PCBs

The sucessful candidate will be responsible for the product test area within the business and accountable for the performance of the test function and its ability to achieve outputs to the required time, cost and quality. Their responsibilities will also include:

• Contributing to ensuring that the necessary skills, equipment, tools and processes/procedures are in place to support the test requirements and ensure a safe working environment (for both personnel and product) 
• Ensuring all product test records are correct before units are released for quality review
• Supporting and line managing other members within the team to achieve project time, cost and quality objectives
• Supporting the implementation and ongoing improvement of documentation relating to testing (e.g. test procedures, test reports, first article inspections etc
• Contributing to ensuring that test equipment, including rigs, are fit for purpose and appropriately maintained – including calibration were applicable
• Contributing 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
• Strong ability to read, understand and follow technical drawings both mechanical and electrical

• Experience of working within a similar role i.e. high precision, high value electro-mechanical within the Aerospace or Precision Engineering sectors
• Experienced in the testing of electromechanical devices with imbedded software
• Experienced in fault finding and root cause analysis (component level through to system level)

Competitive Package (Grade 3 - 4, £30,000 - £50,000 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.