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Lead Test Engineer

Oxford Instruments


Job Location:

Bristol - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 29 September 2026 (11 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Are you an experienced Test Engineer looking to take the next step in your career Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges driving continuous improvement and leading by example in a high-performing manufacturing environment

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology were shaping the future of semiconductor and advanced materials technology. Our systems help customers around the world develop groundbreaking innovations in areas such as medical devices diagnostics electric vehicles renewable energy and quantum computing.

We are seeking aLead Test Engineer to join our Final Test Team at our site in Seven Beach Bristoland play a key role in ensuring our highly sophisticated systems are delivered to the highest standards of quality performance and reliability.

The Opportunity

As Lead Test Engineer youll combine hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibility ensuring products are tested documented and delivered on schedule. Youll drive quality improvements support customer acceptance activities and help create a culture of continuous improvement across the department.

This role is ideal for someone with strong electro-mechanical test experience who enjoys mentoring others solving technical problems and making a real impact on manufacturing performance.

What Youll Be Doing
  • Lead the testing and validation of complex electro-mechanical systems ensuring products meet quality performance and delivery targets.
  • Ensure all testing activities are carried out in accordance with approved procedures and documentation requirements.
  • Act as a technical lead within the Test Team supporting colleagues and maintaining smooth departmental operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality increase efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Utilise FRACAS and fault reporting systems to capture analyse and resolve product issues.
  • Promote best practices in Health & Safety quality standards cleanliness and 5S principles.
  • Support customer acceptance testing and act as a key point of contact during customer visits.
  • Work collaboratively with Manufacturing Engineering and other departments to resolve issues and improve processes.
  • Provide input and support for site installations and system commissioning activities when required.
  • Deputise for the Test Team Leader when necessary to ensure the effective operation of the department.
About You

Youll be a technically capable and proactive engineer with a passion for quality and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills & Experience
  • Experience testing and troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems.
  • Strong problem-solving and fault-finding abilities.
  • Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment with defined quality standards.
  • Ability to influence motivate and support colleagues to achieve common objectives.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple teams.
  • Strong IT literacy and confidence working with technical documentation and reporting systems.
Desirable Experience
  • HNC qualification (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline.
  • HND qualification (or equivalent).
  • Experience working with vacuum technology and RF systems.
  • Previous leadership mentoring or team coordination experience.
What Success Looks Like

Youll be someone who:

  • Leads by example and inspires high standards.
  • Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes.
  • Challenges existing processes and identifies smarter ways of working.
  • Supports and develops colleagues to achieve their full potential.
  • Maintains a strong customer focus in everything you do.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced technology-driven environment.
Why Join Oxford Instruments

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology youll work on cutting-edge technology that enables some of the worlds most exciting scientific and industrial breakthroughs. Youll be part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas are valued your development is supported and your contributions make a genuine difference.

If youre ready to take ownership influence change and help deliver world-class products to customers worldwide wed love to hear from you.

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary
  • 25 days annual leave half-day Fridays
  • Private healthcare
  • Share incentive plan
  • Pension scheme
  • Flexible benefits tailored to your needs
  • Structured career development opportunities
  • A collaborative environment with excellent work-life balance

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race colour religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin or encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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Oxford Instruments is a leading provider of high technology products and services for research and industry.

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