Industry Overview

Our client is a global powerhouse in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty power systems, including diesel engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Their UK operations span several strategic engineering hubs, with the Desford site serving as a cornerstone for machine testing and validation. This facility supports critical sectors like construction, agriculture, and energy industries where performance, compliance, and reliability aren’t optional; they’re essential.

The Requirement

The client needed a Test & Validation Engineer to join their Desford-based team on a 12-month contract. This was a hands-on role, working directly with machines on the proving ground in all British weather conditions. The engineer would be responsible for validating machine performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting warranty integrity. The ideal candidate needed at least five years’ experience in test or development within automotive, construction, or off-highway sectors, strong communication and problem-solving skills, familiarity with ISO 17025 and data acquisition tools, and the ability to work independently while providing clear feedback to design teams.

The Challenge

This blend of skills is rare. It spans niche sectors, technical depth, and strong soft skills. Candidates with hands-on testing experience in off-highway machinery often lack exposure to ISO 17025 or design feedback loops. Those who do tend to move into leadership roles, making them harder to find—and even harder to attract, especially within commuting distance of Desford. We also needed someone with experience using software tools like CANape, CANalyzer, and Vector—common in automotive and embedded systems, but rarely crossed over into other industries. The contract nature of the role added complexity. While contract positions offer flexibility, fast-track experience, and exposure to cutting-edge projects, they’re often misunderstood as unstable or short-term, which can deter strong candidates.

Our Approach

We reached out to our talent pool to find the best fit. The candidate we placed had previously been approached by Seismic and was actively seeking a new challenge. He ticked every box—and more. Within 10 days of making contact, he was placed. The process was fast, responsive, and highly personalised to the candidate’s goals, while remaining clear and efficient for the client’s internal team.

The Outcome

• Placement time: 2 weeks from first contact to signed offer

• Team fit: Joined a group of six test engineers and one instrumentation lead

• Result: Placed in a highly competitive role with limited candidates

Candidate Experience

“Diggers in the sunshine – what’s not to love!”

The candidate was thrilled with the opportunity. After a disappointing experience with another agency, he found Seismic’s approach refreshing—smooth, supportive, and professional. Every issue was handled promptly, and he felt genuinely looked after. His verdict? “Best firm I’ve ever worked with.”

Conclusion

This placement highlights the value of proactive outreach, clear communication, and a deep understanding of both candidate and client needs. By reframing the contract opportunity and acting quickly, we secured a strong match—delivering impact from day one.

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