At ORE Catapult, we are driving the future of offshore renewable energy. As the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy, we develop cutting-edge solutions and deliver impactful research to support the energy transition.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Test Engineer to join our Research & Engineering team in Blyth. This role is central to ensuring the successful delivery of testing activities that support our mission of accelerating the growth of renewable energy.

About the Role:

As a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer, you will take technical ownership of mechanical test programmes, specialising in HV cable systems, accessories, components, insulators, and structural systems. You will design and deliver test infrastructure, plan and lead test campaigns, and provide expert guidance to internal teams, clients, and partners.

You’ll work at the intersection of mechanical design, structural mechanics, test engineering, and high-voltage R&D, supporting both commercial projects and strategic innovation programmes.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on testing, developing new rigs and methods, producing high-quality analysis, and pushing engineering capability forward.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Delivery & Project Leadership

· Lead mechanical test programmes from concept to execution.

· Assess client requirements and develop test specifications, plans, and quotations.

· Coordinate with electrical, materials, and operations teams to deliver integrated test solutions.

· Produce high-quality technical reports and review documentation from peers.

· Review client drawings/specifications and identify risks, constraints, or special requirements.

Capability Development

· Define requirements for new rigs, systems, and mechanical test methods.

· Work with in-house design teams to specify and develop new test infrastructure.

· Support commissioning, validation, and UKAS accreditation of new equipment and methods.

· Ensure existing mechanical capability remains compliant, safe, and technically robust.

Quality, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

· Maintain test documentation and project records to ISO 17025 standards.

· Apply lessons learned, drive process improvements, and contribute to quality-system updates.

Industry Expertise & Collaboration

· Stay up to date with mechanical testing technologies and offshore renewable sector needs.

· Provide specialist technical input to tenders, proposals, and research programmes.

· Support internal teams and promote the facility’s technical strengths to clients.

People Leadership & Safety

· Mentor junior engineers and technicians during test setup and delivery.

· Ensure a strong safety culture and compliance with PUWER, LOLER, and relevant regulations.

· Prepare and review risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for mechanical testing.

About You:

You’ll bring a strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on testing expertise and an analytical mindset. You should be able to independently deliver complex test campaigns while supporting capability development and facility improvements.

Essential Experience

· Mechanical design or mechanical test engineering in a research, industrial, or laboratory environment.

· Understanding of hydraulic, mechanical, or pressure loading systems.

· Experience with instrumentation (strain gauges, load measurement, displacement sensors).

· Ability to analyse test data and write formal engineering reports.

· Experience working within ISO 17025 / ISO 9001 / ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 frameworks.

· Ability to review engineering drawings to ISO 8888.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Desirable

· FEA experience (ANSYS) and analytical tools (Excel, Mathcad, MATLAB).

· Experience supporting or leading UKAS accreditation activities.

· Chartered Engineer status (or working toward it).

· Mechanical design or system integration experience.

What You’ll Need

· Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline.

· Strong understanding of mechanical structures, test methods, and safety principles.

· Knowledge of HV testing environments is an advantage.

· Passion for innovation, engineering rigour, and continuous improvement.

This role is based at our Blyth facilities. Occasional travel and flexibility may be required to support project delivery.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route

Benefits: Health insurance, Life insurance, Supplementary health cover, Flexible working hours, Paid parental leave, Career progression opportunities, Mental health support, Wellbeing programme, Pension scheme, Exclusive staff discounts / Partnerships, Gym membership discounts, Flexible work location, Mentorship programmes