Join Rolls-Royce as a Test Cell Operative in Winsford on a permanent, full-time onsite basis. In this role, you will test rail power packs following overhaul and repair, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and technical standards.
Requirements
No specific degree or minimum years of experience are explicitly mandated.
A practical and methodical approach to engineering activities is required.
Good attention to detail and the ability to follow written procedures are required.
Previous experience in an engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, or MRO environment is preferred.
Relevant mechanical, electrical, or engineering qualifications are advantageous.
Skills & Responsibilities
Test cell operations: Prepare, position, and connect rail power packs to test equipment and monitor performance parameters like temperature and pressure.
Health and safety compliance: Follow site health, safety, and environmental procedures, adhere to risk assessments, and use required PPE.
Quality and technical compliance: Follow approved test specifications and record test readings accurately into systems while maintaining full traceability.
Equipment maintenance: Carry out routine checks on test cell equipment and report defects or malfunctions promptly.
Production support: Work collaboratively with team leaders, fitters, and engineers to coordinate testing activities with production schedules.
Potential transition routes: People from mechanical fitter, maintenance technician, or automotive technician roles may bring transferable diagnostic and mechanical skills, alongside meeting the practical safety and engineering requirements of this position.
Job description
Job Description
Test Cell Operative – MRO Operations
Location: Winsford
Full time Onsite
Job Description
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.
By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
As the Test Cell Operative you will carry out rail power pack testing activities following overhaul, repair and assembly, ensuring all tests are completed safely, accurately and in accordance with approved test procedures, work instructions and quality requirements.
You will be responsible for preparing power packs for testing, operating test equipment within their level of competence and authorisation, monitoring performance, recording test data and reporting any faults or abnormalities identified during testing.
The role supports the efficient operation of the MRO facility by ensuring power packs are tested to the required standards, with accurate documentation and full traceability maintained throughout the process.
What you will be doing:
Test Cell Operations
Carry out testing of rail power packs following overhaul, repair and maintenance activities.
Prepare power packs and associated equipment for testing in accordance with approved procedures.
Position, secure and connect power packs to test equipment using approved methods and equipment.
Complete pre-test checks to confirm that the power pack, test equipment and associated connections are ready for testing.
Operate test cell equipment in accordance with approved operating instructions and individual competency authorisations.
Monitor engine operation and performance throughout the test cycle.
Observe relevant operating parameters, including temperatures, pressures, speeds and other specified measurements.
Identify and report abnormal readings, leaks, unusual noises, vibration or other unexpected operating conditions.
Carry out post-test inspections and checks in accordance with approved procedures.
Support repeat testing following corrective action where authorised.
Ensure test activities are completed within agreed timescales without compromising safety or quality.
Report any issues that may affect test completion, equipment availability or production delivery to the Test Cell Team Leader.
Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
Follow all site health, safety and environmental procedures.
Comply with risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work relevant to test cell activities.
Complete required pre-use checks and ensure appropriate safety controls are in place before commencing work.
Operate machinery and test equipment only when trained, competent and authorised to do so.
Remain aware of hazards associated with running engines, rotating machinery, hot surfaces, fuel systems, pressurised systems, exhaust emissions and noise.
Use the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintain awareness of emergency stops, shutdown procedures and emergency arrangements.
Stop testing and make the situation safe in accordance with approved procedures if an unsafe condition or abnormal operating situation arises.
Report incidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe working conditions promptly.
Maintain good housekeeping standards and ensure walkways and emergency access routes remain clear.
Quality and Technical Compliance
Follow approved test specifications, work instructions and technical documentation.
Ensure the correct test procedure and acceptance criteria are available before commencing testing.
Complete test documentation accurately, clearly and in a timely manner.
Record test readings and results in the appropriate systems or records.
Maintain traceability between the power pack, associated job documentation and test results.
Ensure test equipment and measuring instruments are within their required calibration status before use.
Identify and report test failures, non-conformances and deviations from specified requirements.
Do not alter approved test parameters or bypass safety controls without the appropriate authority.
Ensure incomplete or failed tests are reported and recorded in accordance with site procedures.
Support quality investigations and corrective actions when required.
Test Equipment and Facility Maintenance
Carry out routine operator checks on test cell equipment and associated tooling.
Ensure test equipment, connections, fixtures and supporting equipment are suitable for use.
Report defects, damage or equipment malfunctions promptly.
Maintain test equipment and the surrounding work area in a clean and serviceable condition.
Support planned maintenance, inspections and equipment checks as required.
Ensure defective or unsafe equipment is not used and is reported in accordance with site procedures.
Assist with identifying opportunities to improve test equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
Production and Team Support
Work collaboratively with the Test Cell Team Leader, production personnel, fitters, engineers and quality representatives.
Support the planned movement of power packs through the testing process.
Ensure test activities are coordinated with production schedules and delivery priorities.
Communicate progress, test results and any issues that may affect planned completion dates.
Support the investigation of test failures by providing accurate observations and recorded data.
Assist with the preparation and organisation of test cell tooling, equipment and materials.
Maintain flexibility to support other relevant production activities within the individual’s competence and authorisation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing delays, improving quality and increasing test cell efficiency.
Position Qualifications
Essential
A practical and methodical approach to engineering activities.
Good attention to detail and the ability to follow written procedures.
Ability to record technical information accurately.
Good awareness of health, safety and quality requirements.
Ability to recognise abnormal operating conditions and escalate concerns.
Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Willingness to undertake training and develop technical competence.
A responsible approach to operating machinery and engineering equipment.
Desirable
Previous experience in an engineering, manufacturing, maintenance or MRO environment.
Experience working with diesel engines, rail power packs or associated mechanical systems.
Previous experience in an engine test cell or similar testing environment.
Basic understanding of engine operating principles and performance parameters.
Experience using technical documentation, inspection sheets and test records.
Relevant mechanical, electrical or engineering qualifications.
Experience working within a controlled quality management system.
At Rolls‑Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles
Power Systems is the Rolls-Royce business which provides world-class power solutions and complete life-cycle support under our product and solution brand mtu. Through digitalisation and electrification, we strive to develop drive and power generation solutions that provide answers to the challenges posed by the rapidly growing societal demands for energy and mobility.
We deliver and service comprehensive, powerful and reliable systems, based on both gas and diesel engines, as well as electrified hybrid systems. These technologically advanced solutions serve our customers in the marine and infrastructure sectors worldwide.
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
