Manufacturing Engineering Lead - Hydraulics Test Support

Position Summary

The ME Lead for the Hydraulics Test cell will combine technical leadership, test rig development and support production requirements through the management of test cell equipment readiness.

On a day-to-day basis the equipment shall remain operational, compliant, and effectively maintained.

The role supports commissioning of new or upgraded test equipment, manages maintenance regimes, and leads process improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This role may require supervision of other team members, and you shall be able to work with minimal supervision as a subject matter expert.

Process & Test Support:

• Provide full engineering and technical support across manufacturing and test cells to ensure smooth operations, efficiency, and compliance.
• Lead the availability and serviceability of all hydraulic, high-voltage, and electronic test equipment including commissioning, calibration, software updates, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure configuration control of test equipment hardware and software with regards to repairs, upgrades, and component replacement activities.
• Develop and maintain operator work instructions and test documentation, ensuring compliance and clarity.

Hydraulic Systems & Test Rigs:

• Oversee the assembly, commissioning, and testing of hydraulic units, power units, actuators, or hose assemblies.
• Ensure rigs and equipment operate to process requirements to test safety critical components.

Fault Finding & Diagnostics:

• Diagnose and resolve complex hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical/automation and software faults.
• Perform first line repairs on test rigs and supporting systems.
• Perform 8D root cause analysis for yield and quality issues when required.

Management:

• Lead, guide, and mentor junior engineers and technicians on the shop floor or test cells.
• Establish, maintain, and coordinate with third party service providers to support the maintenance strategy, including repairs, servicing, installations, and the provision of spares for production test equipment.
• Train, mentor, and upskill test operators, including competency sign-off.
• Complete any work-related tasks deemed reasonable for the role, including supporting the Manufacturing Engineering team.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement manufacturing and testing process improvements, lean/six sigma initiatives, and quality enhancements.
• Drive process and procedural improvements to increase productivity.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure all test procedures, equipment, and manufacturing methods meet safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Participate in safety risk assessments and health & safety activities to maintain a safe working environment.

Job Requirements

Job Requirements, Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Educated to engineering degree level with some practical experience or HND/ HNC level with extensive practical experience.
• Experience working with hydraulic & electronic based test equipment in a production test environment.
• Experience in an assembly & hydraulic test business that manufactures hydro-mechanical products e.g., actuators, hydraulic pumps, fluid control valves, accumulators.
• Strong ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross discipline environment.
• Excellent structured root cause investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

• Hands on diagnostic, repair and overhaul experience of hydraulic rigs and equipment.
• Experience with Solidworks, LabView, TestStand and VB.NET is an advantage.
• Able to manage workload and priorities effectively, with a strong focus on meeting delivery commitments.
• Up-to-date knowledge of test equipment and industry best practices.
• Experience working in a regulated industry (eg. aerospace, oil & gas).

Position Details

• Based in Deeside
• Travel to other Triumph sites may be required
• Hours of Employment: 37-hour week with flexibility to support production test environment