R&D Test Engineer

Build a career powered by innovations that matter!  At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible.  We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.  Looking for a great place to work?  You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment.  Come explore Novanta.

R&D Test Engineer (Sensors) – Cambridge, UK

You will lead testing activites for new sensor technologies used across medical and advanced industrial applications. You will create test plans, build and maintain test rigs, run performance and environmental testing, and work closely with engineering and production teams. The role sits within Novanta’s Robotics and Automation business, based in Foxton, Cambridge.

What you will do

• Run functional, performance, reliability, and environmental tests on prototypes and production units.
• Bring up and debug new sensors.
• Work with external test houses.
• Help define verification and validation strategies.
• Develop and improve test plans and procedures.
• Build and maintain test rigs, instrumentation, and supporting software.
• Ensure equipment is calibrated and ready for use.
• Capture and analyse test data using statistical methods.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, IEC, and internal quality processes.
• Support audits and certification work.
• Recommend improvements to test tools and methods.
• Maintain accurate test records and traceability.
• Produce documentation for customer and internal reviews.
• Contribute to design reviews with test-focused feedback.

What you bring

• HND or HNC in Engineering.
• At least 2 years in an R&D environment.
• Hands-on experience with electrical, electronic, or electromechanical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Clear communication and good organisation.
• Self‑driven approach and attention to detail.

Useful experience (not essential)

• Electronics for harsh or extreme environments.
• EMC and safety standards.
• Soldering.
• Firmware and hardware version control.
• Mathcad, Windows, Microsoft Office.
• JIRA and Confluence.
• Additional languages.

Travel

Occasional travel to other Novanta sites and external test houses.

If this role of R&D Test Engineer is of interest to you, then please reach out to Rebecca Pelham to discuss further.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.