Actuators Environmental Proving Engineer - Mechanical & Climatic

Integration & Systems Validation Engineer Mechanical & Climatic Proving | Actuator Systems | Stevenage area If you’re a hands-on engineer who enjoys working with real hardware, running physical tests and understanding how products behave in the real world, this is a genuinely exciting opportunity. You’ll be joining a brand new Integration & Systems Validation team where your work will directly influence how complex actuator systems are proven, trusted and certified to operate in extreme mechanical and climatic environments. This is a role for someone who likes being on-site, close to the kit, collaborating with experts and taking pride in doing thorough, high-quality engineering. You’ll be supported by excellent facilities, long-term programme stability and a culture that values people as much as technical excellence. What we can offer you Salary circa £55,000 depending on experience Company bonus of up to £2,500, based on company performance Pension with up to 14% total contribution (employer and employee combined) Paid overtime opportunities Flexi Leave with up to 15 additional days Flexible working arrangements welcomed Enhanced parental leave including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave Additional enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatment Fantastic on-site facilities including subsidised meals and free parking Healthcare Cash Plan with cashback on everyday healthcare, dental and wellbeing costs About the role You’ll be part of a newly established Integration & Systems Validation team within the Actuation Systems Centre of Excellence. The team’s focus is on proving actuator products across demanding mechanical and climatic environments, ensuring they are fit for purpose throughout their full lifecycle. Reporting to the Actuation Systems Proving Lead, you’ll be responsible for planning, conducting and reporting on trials covering product de-risking, demonstration and qualification. This is a highly practical role with plenty of time spent setting up tests, working in specialist facilities and analysing results. Your role will include: Designing bespoke trials and specifying instrumentation and stimuli Leading trial readiness reviews, covering hardware, software, facilities and safety Coordinating all aspects of the actuator under test, including logistics and availability Hands-on support of physical test setup and work-up in specialist facilities such as temperature and vibration chambers Producing clear and accurate logs of all proving activity Analysing trial data to confirm compliance with demanding requirements Writing detailed trial conduct and results reports Supporting formal product certification through robust technical evidence Acting as the main engineering interface between customers and test facilities Helping shape proving approaches and methodologies as the team grows Over time, mentoring or managing a small team of proving engineers The role is predominantly site-based, particularly during trial campaigns using industry-leading mechanical and climatic facilities in Stevenage. Occasional travel to external test houses may be required. What you’ll need A practical, hands-on engineering approach and genuine enjoyment of testing systems Understanding of structural dynamics and environmental test methods Experience or familiarity with vibration, shock, temperature or humidity testing A methodical mindset with strong attention to detail Confidence analysing and reporting complex technical data Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a range of stakeholders A proactive attitude and desire to grow, improve and shape new ways of working British citizenship or dual UK nationality, due to security requirements Nice to have Experience working to military or aerospace standards such as MIL-STD-810, Def-Stan or STANAG Background or strong knowledge in mechanical engineering, aerospace, physics or similar Experience using specialist test facilities and equipment for environmental testing Final thoughts This is a great opportunity to join a growing team at an early stage, influence how complex systems are proven, and build a long-term career in a hands-on engineering environment. If you enjoy seeing products tested for real and want to play a key role in how critical equipment is validated, this role is well worth a closer look.