R&D Technician at Oliver Valves in Knutsford, England, GB

Role: R&D Technician

Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate

Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week.

A fantastic opportunity has open for an R&D Technician to join our team in Knutsford. This is a new position that will strengthen the existing team.

Whether you are an experienced Mechanical Technician from a machine shop background or a motivated Engineering Graduate looking for a practical start in R&D, we want to hear from you.

About Us

With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.

What You’ll Be Doing

As an R&D Technician, you will be responsible for the assembly, inspection, and rigorous testing of prototype valves in accordance with industry and client specifications. Key duties include:

• Inspection: Detailed component inspection ensuring drawing compliance.
• Specialised Testing: Conducting hydrostatic, pneumatic, cryogenic, hyperbaric, and fire testing.
• Analysis: Interpreting test procedures and accurately recording results.
• Prototyping: Assembling and testing new valve designs in line with Engineering Procedures.
• Maintenance: Developing and maintaining R&D test equipment.
• Problem Solving: Performing detailed component inspections and shop-floor remedial work.

What You’ll Bring

Our ideal candidate is a proactive, hands-on professional who combines technical precision in valve testing and assembly with the analytical mindset needed to drive innovation within a fast-paced R&D environment. They will bring the following attributes to the role:

• Practical, hands on tool skills
• Can do attitude
• Attention to detail
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office
• Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good numeracy, literacy and communication skills.

What’s On Offer?

Here’s what you can expect as an R&D Technician with us:

• Competitive starting pay of £13.20 per hour, increasing to £13.50 after probation with further increases as your skills increase.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Overtime opportunities at enhanced rates.
• Company pension scheme (4% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution).
• Medical cash plan (dental, optical, physio & more), Life Assurance (“Death in Service”) and Long Service Awards.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• 31 days of Annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with length of service.

Ready to join a market leader?

If you are looking to start your career, apply now.