Senior Test Instrumentation Engineer

Hemel Hempstead
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Quality Manager

Site Engineer

Communications Operator

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Senior Bid Writer

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Senior Test Instrumentation Engineer
Hemel Hempstead, Herts, England, United Kingdom
Full-time Chartered Engineer About Aerotest Limited Aerotest Limited specialises in designing and constructing a wide range of Aero Engine Test Equipment. Our expertise spans from turnkey engine acoustic test cells to universal engine component test facilities and ground support equipment for both civil and military aviation. Our projects cover various aircraft systems, including fan engines, afterburning military engines, helicopters, UAVs, and auxiliary power units. Since our formation in 1990, we have grown through recommendations rather than advertising, ensuring high-quality service and a strong global reputation. Our customers span from New Zealand to Norway and from Sweden to the West Coast of the USA.
Role Overview
As a Senior Test Instrumentation (TI) Engineer, you will play a key role in analysing test requirements, designing system architecture, selecting equipment, managing procurement, commissioning systems, troubleshooting, and supporting TI systems. You will collaborate closely with engineering and operational teams to ensure high-quality project execution.
Key Responsibilities

  • Develop TI system requirements in collaboration with engineering and operations teams.
  • Select and integrate TI equipment and sensors to meet system specifications.
  • Prepare technical customer proposals and project cost estimates using MS Excel.
  • Design detailed mains power and instrumentation circuit diagrams using AutoCAD Inventor.
  • Create software coding specifications and vendor acceptance test procedures for National Instruments Data Acquisition and GE Fanuc PLCs and install the same.
  • Develop NI SCADA code and interface displays for small-scale projects.
  • Plan and execute calibration, verification, and validation test procedures for TI systems.
  • Design TI system architectures and build Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for implementation.
  • Responsible for the production of all Design activities and associated purchase authority of goods and equipment.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and delivery schedules for TI system development.
  • Oversee and liaise with external equipment and service providers.
  • Perform pre-delivery commissioning and post-delivery re-commissioning of TI installations.
  • Ensure system accuracy by calibrating TI sensors and documenting calibration data.
  • Maintain, update, and troubleshoot TI software and hardware components.
  • Conduct fault diagnosis at the component level for sensors, wiring, and data acquisition equipment.
  • Ensure all test facility documentation, logs, and records are properly maintained.
  • Compile operating, maintenance, and calibration manuals for end-users.
  • Represent the Company at Client/Customer meetings, and negotiate on behalf of the Company work programmes and specifications.
  • Ensure promotion of the principle of Customer satisfaction.
    Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Minimum BSc (Hons) and C Eng.
  • Experience working with instrumentation in high-EMI environments, particularly accelerometers for vibration analysis.
  • Strong proficiency in National Instruments (NI) data acquisition systems or equivalent technologies.
  • Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills via MS Project.
  • Extensive experience specifying and integrating various measurement sensors, including:
    o Strain gauge pressure transducers.
    o RTDs and thermocouples.
    o LVDTs and linear potentiometers.
    o Accelerometers and velocity transducers.
    o Load cells and capacitance probes.
  • Extensive Ability to produce high-quality electrical schematics and technical assembly drawings.
  • Expertise in current PLC systems.
  • Team-working skills co-ordinating the with Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic/ Software design and solutions.
  • Analytical and commercial experience.
    Computer Literacy:
    • Microsoft Office
    • Autodesk AutoCAD Electrical
    • Visual Basic Programming
    • PLC Programming
    • National Instruments Programming
    • Communications, Written, Verbal and Electronic.
    • Ability to Negotiate with Suppliers and Customers.
    • Analyse customer /user requirements.
    • Self-motivated and capable of working independently and safely.
    • Basic understanding of Aero Engines.
    • Willingness to travel worldwide for system commissioning, calibration, and customer training.
    • Flexible and proactive approach to responsibilities, including occasional extended hours.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
    • Full UK driving license.
    What We Offer
    At Aerotest, we pride ourselves on fostering a challenging yet rewarding work environment. We emphasise diligence, safety, and teamwork, ensuring every team member contributes to our continued success.
    Company Benefits:
    Holiday Allowance: 25 days + bank holidays, increasing to 30 days.
    Company Electric Car: Available after a service period.
    Travel Perks: Business-class flights for journeys exceeding 6 hours.
    Overseas Allowances: Generous travel support and accommodation.
    Complimentary Perks: Free lunch and 4/5-star hotels for work-related travel.
    Training & Development:
    Opportunities for further education and skill enhancement. Join Our Team We welcome applications from candidates with varying levels of experience. Talent comes in many forms, and we are committed to fostering a happy and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy, thrive and grow

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

UAV Jobs in the UK Public Sector: Opportunities in Defence, Infrastructure, and Healthcare

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—also referred to as drones—have evolved from niche military hardware into versatile tools spanning multiple industries. Whether they are carrying out surveillance for national security, delivering medical supplies in remote areas, or inspecting critical infrastructure, UAVs have quickly become indispensable in both civilian and government applications. In the United Kingdom, the public sector has increasingly embraced this technology, driven by its potential to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk to personnel, and improve service delivery. As a result, UAV jobs in the UK’s public sector are expanding, offering a wide range of career opportunities for engineers, pilots, data analysts, policy experts, and more. Working in these roles can mean contributing directly to the safety of local communities, helping modernise public services, or safeguarding national interests through advanced surveillance. And beyond the satisfaction of supporting public missions, these positions often come with stable funding, structured career pathways, and the chance to work on ground-breaking projects in collaboration with leading research institutions and industry partners. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of UAVs for government bodies, highlight the major public sector organisations driving UAV adoption, outline the typical roles and skill sets required, and walk you through the process of securing a UAV job that can have real-world impact. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive view of how to leverage your interest or expertise in drones to build a fulfilling career in the UK public sector.

Contract vs Permanent UAV Jobs: Which Pays Better in 2025?

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—commonly referred to as drones—are fast becoming indispensable in industries from construction and agriculture to filming, logistics, and defence. Advances in sensor technology, autonomous flight, and data analytics enable UAVs to capture critical insights, streamline operations, and revolutionise existing workflows. As a result, the UK UAV job market has exploded with opportunities for pilot operators, aeronautical engineers, data analysts, and entrepreneurs. Amid this rapid expansion, UAV professionals face a crucial choice: Should they work as day‑rate contractors, sign fixed-term contracts, or go permanent? Which arrangement promises higher pay in 2025, and what does each model imply for job security, skills development, and career progression? This comprehensive guide unpacks the pros, cons, and earning potential of contract vs. permanent UAV roles, providing sample scenarios to illustrate real-world take‑home pay. Whether your expertise lies in flight control systems, mission planning, embedded software, or UAV data processing, read on to discover which employment path best aligns with your financial goals and professional ambitions.

UAV & Drone Jobs for Non‑Technical Professionals: Where Do You Fit In?

Drones Need More Than Joystick Skills From Royal Mail trials on Scottish islands to BT’s drone‑enabled mobile towers, unmanned‑aircraft systems (UAS) are scaling fast across the United Kingdom. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data show over 9,200 commercial drone operator permits (OA/PDRA) in force by January 2025—up 34 % year‑on‑year. PwC’s Skies Without Limits 2.0 forecasts that by 2030 drones could deliver £45 billion in UK economic uplift and 650,000 jobs. Yet adverts often focus on remote pilots and aeronautical engineers. The reality? 41 % of drone‑sector vacancies highlight operations, compliance, sales or programme management rather than stick‑time or soldering (UK Drone Industry Barometer 2024). Whether you’re skilled at logistics, regulatory affairs or storytelling, there’s a seat for you in the cockpit—without logging 1,000 flight hours. This guide explains the fastest‑growing non‑coding, non‑pilot roles, the transferable expertise you may already possess, authentic transition stories and a 90‑day plan to launch your UAV career.