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 delivery
Conducting mechanical testing in support of commercial and R&D programmes
Translating complex or novel durability test requirements into safe, robust, and practical test setups
Troubleshooting technical issues and minimising downtime to maintain delivery continuity
Leading ISO 17025 accreditation activities and ensuring ongoing compliance with quality standards
Maintaining laboratory assets, including rigs, fixturing, and instrumentation, ensuring they remain calibrated and fit for purpose
Leading risk assessments and developing safe systems of work through procedures and work instructions
Producing engineering drawings for test specimens and fixturing for internal and external manufacture
Driving continuous improvement in testing methods, laboratory processes, and data quality
Supervising, mentoring, and developing junior engineers and apprentices, while supporting customer engagement and the external promotion of the laboratory
What You Bring:
Extensive hands-on expertise in mechanical testing, including the design, build, operation, and maintenance of servo-hydraulic test rigs and associated systems
Detailed knowledge of instrumentation, control systems, and data acquisition equipment used in mechanical testing
Demonstrable experience leading or working towards ISO 17025 accreditation and quality systems
Ability to translate complex engineering requirements into practical, safe, and effective test solutions
Solid understanding of laboratory safety, including risk assessments, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER regulations and the development of safe systems of work
Proficiency in interpreting and producing engineering drawings for test specimens, fixtures, or equipment
A continuous improvement mindset, with experience enhancing test methods, processes, or data quality
Leadership capability, with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing engineers or apprentices and driving reliable test delivery
Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to customers, suppliers, and stakeholders
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Hands-on machining skills (e.g. milling and turning) would be desirable but are not essential
Applied knowledge of fatigue test methods would be advantageous but is not essential
To 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 delivery
Enjoy tackling complex technical challenges and turning concepts into practical, real-world solutions
Take ownership and initiative, with the confidence to lead activities and drive outcomes
Thrive in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships while also working independently when needed
Communicate clearly and effectively, adapting your approach to engage a wide range of technical and non-technical stakeholders
Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in everything you do
Act with integrity and professionalism, setting a positive example within the team
What We Offer
At 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 scheme
37.5 hours per week
Group 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 sold
Health and Wellbeing Benefits include employee support assistance, private medical insurance & Medicash scheme
Paid Sick Leave and life assurance coverage equal to 4x the employee’s salary
Supportive environment investing in continuous learning and development through mentorship and training
Freedom 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.
Application
Please 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.