Senior R&D Engineer

Senior R&D Engineer – 6 Month Contract Location: Near Newbury, Berkshire Rate: Up to £35.00 per hour PAYE Contract: 6 months Job Type: Contract Syntech Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced Senior R&D Engineer…

Pay rate £28 – £35/hour
Contract type Contract
Posted 8 September 2026

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About this contract

Senior R&D Engineer – 6 Month Contract

Location: Near Newbury, Berkshire
Rate: Up to £35.00 per hour PAYE
Contract: 6 months
Job Type: Contract

Syntech Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced Senior R&D Engineer to join a leading specialist engineering manufacturer based near Newbury on an initial 6-month contract.

This is a hands-on test and development position working on advanced transmission and powertrain systems within a high-performance engineering environment. You'll take responsibility for development and validation activities, working closely with design, test and manufacturing teams from initial test definition through to analysis and engineering recommendations.

What's in it for you?

* Up to £35.00 per hour PAYE

* Initial 6-month contract

* Opportunity to work on advanced motorsport and high-performance automotive technology

* Hands-on R&D and development environment

* Exposure to transmission, powertrain, test rig and vehicle development programmes

Senior R&D Engineer Responsibilities

* Plan and manage development and validation testing

* Produce test specifications and define appropriate test methods

* Set up, operate and support engineering test rigs

* Analyse test data and produce technical reports

* Investigate test failures and recommend engineering solutions

* Support first-build validation of new products

* Carry out condition assessments on transmission and mechanical systems

* Identify tooling and test equipment requirements

* Work closely with Design Engineers on product development activities

* Support end-of-line testing and build quality assurance

* Maintain accurate engineering and test documentation

* Support vehicle testing and wider development activities where required

What We're Looking For

* Previous experience within R&D, test & development or validation engineering

* Strong mechanical engineering background

* Experience within transmissions, driveline, powertrain, automotive or motorsport highly desirable

* Hands-on experience with test rigs and engineering test equipment

* Experience with data logging, instrumentation and test data analysis

* Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills

* Ability to interpret engineering drawings

* CAD experience; Siemens NX would be advantageous

* Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems

* Engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience

* Able to work independently and take ownership of development activities

This position would suit an experienced Test & Development Engineer, R&D Engineer, Powertrain Development Engineer, Transmission Development Engineer or Validation Engineer looking for a technically challenging contract within a high-performance engineering environment.

Application Process

We aim to respond to all applicants within 5 working days. If you don’t hear from us within this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Privacy and Data Retention

By applying, you confirm your consent to the retention of your personal data for recruitment purposes, stored securely in compliance with our Privacy Policy.

Syntech Recruitment Limited

We act as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for temporary placements.

INDZ

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