Test Engineer

Arctic Research and Development; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm based in the UK is seeking a Test Engineer to design and execute tests for innovative hardware in extreme Arctic conditions. The role emphasizes developing reliable systems and requires a degree in Mechanical Engineering along with at least 3 years of prototyping experience. Candidates should be comfortable working in sub-zero environments. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for real field exposure, supporting a mission-driven culture focused on impactful work.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Real field exposure

Mission-driven culture

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on prototyping experience.
• Experience scaling test systems from prototype to production.
• Proven track record in designing hardware test systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and operate custom testbeds tailored to ARD’s hardware.
• Execute vibration, thermal, and dynamic tests to standards.
• Translate test results into actionable design recommendations.

Skills

Hands-on prototyping experience

Familiarity with testing certifications

Ability to operate with autonomy

Field-ready mindset

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

The last frontier

The Arctic is a place of extremes: unforgiving, untamed, and undergoing rapid change. A literal defrosting reveals a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity spanning energy, defence, logistics, research, and infrastructure.

ARD was founded on a paradox. The Arctic is both the next great economic frontier and one of the most hostile environments on Earth. Rich in resources and strategically vital, yet bone-chillingly cold, dark for months, and fundamentally inhospitable to humans. This paradox—an explosion of activity in a place that resists human presence—is why we exist.

Our solution is autonomy.

We build systems that operate reliably and intelligently in the Arctic, so that humans don't always have to.

Founded by record-holding pioneers with decades of polar experience, we take calculated risks on hard problems that matter. If you want to build and deploy ground-up technology with real-world impact, at an inflection point in history that won’t reappear, we’d like to talk.

The role

As a Test Engineer at Arctic Research and Development, you’ll be the centre of our mission: building hardware that thrives where few things can. You’ll design, develop, and execute test campaigns across our full Arctic hardware stack – from embedded PCBs and energy systems to composite structures and autonomous platforms – while working alongside our mechanical, electronics, and RF teams.

This is the most critical stage of our R&D pipeline. The test frameworks you’ll build and the results you deliver will directly determine the reliability, safety, and confidence of our systems in Arctic operations.

Core responsibilities

• Design and operate custom testbeds tailored to ARD’s hardware line
• Execute static, dynamic, fatigue, thermal, and vibration tests aligned with both internal requirements and international standards (e.g. MIL-STD 810H, IP/IK, CE/UL)
• Operate cold chambers, vibration tables, structural testing equipment, and data acquisition systems
• Translate tests results into actionable design recommendations, guiding iterations and fast decisions
• Guide the selection and setup of testing infrastructure in ARD’s in-house R&D lab

What we value

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a portfolio ready to demonstrate
• 3+ years of hands-on prototyping experience, ideally in lab or workshop environment
• Experience scaling tests systems from prototype to production, ideally in environmental and structural contexts
• Familiarity with US, EU, and UK testing certifications and standards
• Proven track record designing hardware test systems and developing automated test software
• Ability to operate with a large-degree of autonomy within a lean and competent team
• Field-ready mindset — you're comfortable testing gear in sub-zero environments outside of the R&D lab

What we offer

• Competitive compensation
• Real field exposure – travel to Arctic sites and Outposts when needed
• Mission-driven culture – focus on impact, not hours logged