Powertrain Test Technician

Location: Peterborough
Contract: 12 months (likely to extend)
Rate: £32.51 p/h PAYE (approx. £260.08 per day) Inside IR35
Working Pattern: Mon-Thu 08:00-16:30, Fri 08:00-13:00 37Hours a week

The Opportunity

Join a busy engine and machine development environment supporting powertrain installation, shakedown and test activities across a wide variety of off‑highway machines. You'll work within a high‑volume project pipeline including full machine builds, repower programmes, prototype installs and new product development. Technicians rotate between workshops, giving exposure to internal combustion, electric and EV systems.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, hands‑on engineering setting and enjoys varied technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow engineering instructions to install prototype, pilot and production powertrains into machines
• Carry out mechanical and electrical assembly using hand/power tools and lifting equipment
• Instrument powertrains with sensors including thermocouples, pressure transducers and speed pickups
• Diagnose and resolve faults across engines, powertrains and machine systems
• Work confidently from mechanical, electrical and hydraulic drawings
• Manufacture parts using machining, welding, fabrication and electronics facilities
• Produce electrical looms to interface powertrain and machine
• Operate off‑highway vehicles (excavators, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, track‑type tractors etc.)
• Maintain a safe, organised work area in line with 5S and TPM
• Support other workshop areas during peak workload periods

Must‑Have Skills

• Strong mechanical, electrical/electronic and hydraulic aptitude
• Engine/mechanical testing & diagnostics
• Hands‑on workshop experience
• Ability to work across IC, electric or EV systems
• Good understanding of instrumentation and sensor application
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings and procedures
• Confident using tools, lifting equipment and welding/fabrication kit
• Effective communicator and team player

Qualifications & Experience

• Ideally apprenticeship‑trained (engineering or motor mechanics)
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent desirable
• Minimum 4 years' experience in mechanical/engine testing, automotive, heavy machinery or workshop environments
• Experience from automotive, construction machinery, rail, aerospace or production engineering also considered
• Good PC skills (Microsoft Office + internal systems training provided)

Person Fit

Adaptable, proactive, hands‑on, comfortable in a changing environment, and able to support multiple teams when required.