Yolk Recruitment Ltd
Test & Validation Lead

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Test & Validation Lead
Up to £60,000
Yolk Recruitment is supporting a specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation with the recruitment of a Test & Validation Lead to take ownership of testing and validation activities within a production environment. This is a senior technical leadership opportunity for an experienced Test Engineer, Senior Test Engineer, Test Lead or Test & Validation professional with experience leading testing activities, system validation and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
The Role
As Test & Validation Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the full range of test and validation activities for production units, ensuring systems meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, quality standards and regulatory requirements before delivery.
You will lead and develop the Test team, establish effective test processes and provide technical leadership across Production, Engineering and Quality. You will also play a key role in investigating technical issues, improving testing processes and ensuring appropriate evidence is available to demonstrate that systems have been tested and validated against their requirements.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key responsibilities:
- Define and oversee the test and validation strategy for production units.
- Develop and maintain effective test processes and procedures aligned with delivery objectives.
- Lead the planning, scheduling and execution of in-process, system-level and final acceptance testing (FAT).
- Manage, mentor and develop the Test team, ensuring effective delivery and technical competency.
- Approve test plans, procedures and work instructions, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
- Ensure appropriate validation activities are planned and completed to demonstrate that systems meet their intended requirements and application.
- Maintain accurate test and validation records, including results, certifications, traceability and compliance evidence.
- Work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams to integrate testing and validation activities effectively.
- Investigate and resolve complex technical issues identified through testing and validation.
- Lead root cause analysis of test failures and non-conformances and support appropriate corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement across test and validation processes to improve efficiency, reliability and compliance.
- Establish and monitor appropriate department and production line performance metrics.
- Ensure all test and validation activities are carried out in accordance with relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
This is what you'll need:
- Proven experience in a Test Engineering or Test & Validation role within a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong experience across mechanical, electrical and system-level testing, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
- Experience leading, managing or mentoring a Test team.
- Good knowledge of test planning, validation, NCRs, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications, with strong communication skills and a track record of continuous improvement.
And this is what you'll get:
- Competitive salary.
- Wellbeing and insurance policies.
- Career development.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills