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NEWRY-based testing company, Resonate Testing is taking steps to close the current skills gap facing many companies across Northern Ireland, through participation in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme.

The Higher Level Apprenticeship programme will see two apprentices join Resonate Testing on a part time basis, whilst undertaking a professional-level qualification with Southern Regional College. The programme will allow Resonate Testing to train the apprentices to the level required so they can garner strong technical and employability skills, as well as allowing for increased productivity within the company.

Whilst the apprentices earn as they learn, they will also have improved opportunities for career progression, and have exposure to the technical skills involved in the niche market of testing with a growing and successful company that offers its services to the global market.

Tom Mallon, Managing Director at Resonate Testing spoke about the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme saying, “Whilst Resonate Testing has taken on apprentices and interns before, this is our first time to participate in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme. The programme allows us to play our part in addressing the skills gap that we, and many other companies throughout Northern Ireland, are currently facing.

“It is hugely important that the younger talent is given the opportunity to establish and perfect their skill set, and we feel that it is our responsibility to offer the practical experience required to help create a skilled workforce in the future. Sometimes, the practical experience can be the difference in a good and a great engineer!”

Michelle Billham from Southern Regional College spoke about Resonate Testing’s participation in the HLA programme, saying, “The HLA programme is a fantastic pathway for those starting their career to work and earn a salary whilst studying for a higher-level qualification to degree level. With companies like ResonateTesting participating, apprentices are given the best possible start to their career. We’re delighted that Tom and his team are able to participate in the programme this year and look forward to developing the partnership further in the months ahead.”

Colm Cunningham from Newry is undertaking the Higher Level Apprenticeship Mechatronics programme with Resonate Testing. He spoke about the programme saying, “Getting to complete my apprenticeship with Resonate Testing is a fantastic opportunity and one that I have no doubt will give me a great start to my career. With the apprenticeship, I can implement what I have learned at Southern Regional College into my practical work, as well as learn from the team. I’m looking forward to the years ahead.”

Abbey Brady has also commenced her apprenticeship with the Resonate Testing as she undertakes the three year Mechatronics apprenticeship at Southern Regional College. Abbie said, “The Higher Level Apprenticeship programme is a great way for me to get some practical experience whilst learning at Southern Regional College. It also means that I don’t have the high fees that are usually associated with a university degree. I’m looking forward to joining Resonate Testing and want to thank Tom and the team for the opportunity.”

Resonate Testing has always placed a firm emphasis on nurturing younger talent, putting its future in the hands of young engineers and technicians. The company recently welcomed Joel Bell from Banbridge to the team, who completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Southern Regional College.

Speaking about the opportunity with Resonate Testing, Joel said, “The apprenticeship provided me with much of the knowledge required to progress in an engineering career. Now, with the opportunity to join Resonate Testing, I get to further develop that knowledge in a practical setting, and build on what I have already learned.”

Resonate Testing conducts high quality testing and certification services for a variety of sectors including aerospace, medical, space and automotive. Since the onset of the global pandemic, the company has experienced a surge in customer enquiries regarding its niche offering of live stream testing, which has been delivered to a global audience that has no access to local testing facilities.

Next to feature in our 'Meet the Team' is Resonate Testing Project Engineer, Orla O'Donnell. Find out more about Orla, our very own musical maestro, below!

Q1. Length of time working for the company? – Six months

Q2. What is your background?

My background is electrical and electronics engineering. I worked on fighter jets for 18 years with the UKs largest defence company.

I was also a teacher of physics, electronics and systems and control technology in the Lake District for 6 years and was project manager and engineering manager for an aircraft seat manufacturer. In addition to this, I’m also a STEM Ambassador and coach!

Q3. Favourite part of the job?

Testing – Fire testing is dangerous and interesting and FUN! Knowing that you are testing products to ensure people’s safety is also a good feeling.

Q4. What does a typical day involve?

There is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ here at Resonate Testing. I could start the day shaking components for an aircraft wing and end the day doing fire tests on seat fabric.

In between, I could be writing reports or investigating new specifications.

Q5. What opportunities have you been given as a member of the team at Resonate Testing?

I have been able to investigate new ways of testing materials that I used in my previous careers. I also get to learn about different sectors other than the aircraft industry. Resonate Testing does work for many industries including automotive, oil and gas, space and aerospace, and we are looking to expand our capability into construction and packaging, so there are many opportunities ahead.

Q6. How do you like to relax outside of work?

I love music and play a number of instruments.  I like to play guitar and sing so hopefully after the lockdown ends, I can get back to seeing and hearing live music and getting back to my favourite music festivals.  I walk and cycle and enjoy spending time around water – lakes and the sea.

Q7. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I am a classically trained cellist.

 

Does the name Wally Funk resonate with you? We’re guessing if you have a social media presence, you are by now familiar with Wally, who became the oldest person to fly to outer space on Blue Origin, alongside billionaire businessman, Jeff Bezos, on 20th July.

With a lifelong interest in the aviation and space industries, Wally was a trailblazer and pioneer for women within both sectors. Due to travel to outer space with the Mercury 13 crew back in the 1960s before the trip was unfortunately cancelled, Wally’s dream finally came through thanks to a breakthrough in technological advancements and an uptake in private organisations making the journey to space.

Resonate Testing is proud to play our own part in these advancements, being somewhat a trailblazer on the Island of Ireland for conducting high quality testing and certification services across a range of sectors, from our Centre of Excellence in Newry.

We have conducted testing on a number of space related projects, including the Réaltra Space Systems Engineering launcher Video Telemetry system that will provide on board telemetry from a launch vehicle due to travel to outer space in 2022, with further projects in the pipeline.

With the popularity and demand of the space sector growing in Ireland, with commercial sales soaring from €75m in 2015 to €133m in 2020, there is huge potential for companies working across the space industry, meaning even more potential for people to have the opportunity to work in this exciting sector.

This is where Resonate Testing needs YOU!

Due to recent investment and expansion, we are currently recruiting a number of talented, passionate and hard-working people to help us on this journey.

We have a number of vacancies including engineers, business development and quality/technical roles so if you are interested in working with a company that works on projects that are quite literally, out of this world, then this is for you!

So, whether you see yourself as a Wally Funk, representing females within a relatively male dominated industry, or as a Jeff Bezos, spearheading future developments in the space sector, apply for one of our roles today and take the first step into your new career.

For more information on the available roles, visit our website here: https://www.resonatetesting.com/careers/.

IT is a sector that is growing in popularity and demand, and one that will offer huge potential and opportunities for SMEs looking to enter the space industry across Ireland. That’s according to industry experts following the ‘Growing the Space Industry in Ireland’ webinar, hosted by the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS) Group earlier this month.

The space industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with commercial sales by companies in Ireland soaring from €75m in 2015 to €133m in 2020. The Irish Government launched its first National Space Strategy for Enterprise in 2019 with the aim of doubling space industry activity by 2025, and the UK is launching their own strategy for Space in June, which aims to secure 10% of the total global market share by 2030.

Northern Ireland has also engaged in a Northern Ireland Space Strategy to create a firm and realistic foundation from which to grow the space sector and enhance the region’s standing in the space community.

With the increasing demand for products and services to support the growing industry, collaboration, in addition to innovation and knowledge, will be key to maximising the opportunities that are available and achieving the full potential of the space industry across the Island, as demonstrated by the recent webinar, which featured speakers from Airbus, European Space, Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

One local company, Resonate Testing in Newry, has become a prominent figure in the industry after initially conducting testing on the Réaltra Space Systems Engineering launcher Video Telemetry system that will provide on-board telemetry from a launch vehicle due to travel to outer space in 2022.

Following the shutdown of global travel as a result of the pandemic, Réaltra was unable to carry out the required environmental qualification testing in the European test centres they had previously used. Requiring a niche, high quality testing campaign, the company reached out to Resonate Testing.

Resonate Testing did not have the capability to perform the complex SRS shock testing required but adapted its services and developed an in-house shock test capability in support of Réaltra and the wider space community on the island of Ireland.

Speaking about the collaboration, Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Office at Réaltra said, “During the global pandemic, we were faced with difficulties in accessing test facilities due to travel restrictions. We contacted Resonate Testing following a recommendation on their expertise and reputation for delivering high-quality testingat their Centre of Excellence in Newry, only an hour away from us in Dublin. Thanks to their knowledge and innovative processes, we were able to collaborate to complete the shock test qualification locally, maintaining the schedule to support our customer’s needs.

Danny continued, “Our experience with Resonate Testing has been excellent and we have now established a successful, collaborative and innovative test partnership on the island of Ireland, which is very important to our business going forward. In addition, Resonate Testing is investigating the expansion of their collaboration with Space Industry Skillnet to develop training and support to companies on the Island of Ireland to improve their success with test programmes. We are looking forward to continuing our work together in future projects.”

Tom Mallon, Managing Director of Resonate Testing said, “There is so much potential and opportunity within the Irish Space Industry Cluster, whether it’s in upstream or downstream products or services. Innovation is key to what we do and when Danny [Gleeson] approached us, we knew this was something that our team had the capability of doing, so we put a plan in place using our collaborative knowledge and the result was the successful implementation and execution of the testing service.

“This capability will assist space companies in shortening their development cycles from prototype tests to full space qualification test campaigns. We’re looking forward to being a part of this exciting sector moving forward and the opportunities that it will bring.”

Chair of ADS Space Special Interest Group, Robert Hill, who hosted the webinar, spoke about the benefits of collaboration as evidenced by Réaltra and Resonate Testing. Robert said, “The recent webinar was an excellent event enabling many companies to come together and hear what is possible when you work together.

“The collaboration between Réaltra and Resonate Testing has shown how the Island of Ireland can thrive when we work together. We want to do everything in our power to develop the Island as a globally recognised place for space sector innovation and creativity, and with companies like Resonate Testing stepping up to the mark to provide innovative solutions, we are well on our way.”

As of 2021, there are over 80 companies involved in the Space sector across the Island of Ireland. The growing interest in the sector was evident by the large number of attendees at the webinar - the first in a series looking at how to further develop the Space Industry across the Island of Ireland. It is hoped that the next event will take place in the Autumn.

 

Next up in our Meet the Series, we're introducing our Test Engineer, Conor Barry! 

Q1. Name

Conor Barry

Q2. Position

Test Engineer

Q3. Length of time working for the company

I’ve been working at Resonate Testing for around four months now.

Q4. What is your background?

Electronics design. I had previously spent 12 years designing wireless sensors for the automotive industry.

Q5. Favourite part of the job?

Working with the rest of the team in Resonate, bouncing ideas around and learning from them.

Q6. What does a typical day involve?

As a company that offers a testing service, each week is different with different types of customers and different complexities of tests we carry out. Typically though, a day will include a mix of reviewing requests that have come in, preparing for tests that are coming up, carrying out or overseeing tests planned for that day and reporting on and closing out tests that were recently finished.

Q7. What opportunities have you been given as a member of the team at Resonate Testing?

New experiences and opportunities to learn.

Q8. How do you like to relax outside of work?

I like to spend time with my family, to wind down in the evenings watching TV or streaming a film. There are a few podcasts I follow and from time to time I’ll read some Sci-Fi. I also have a few small model kits knocking around when I find the time.

Q9. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

After I graduated from University, as part of an opportunity that came from my placement year, I went on a seven-week course of Chinese language and culture studies in Dublin City University. Ultimately, due to family reasons, I chose not to travel to China, but the course was fascinating and a lot of fun.

As with most skills, if you don’t use it, you lose it so there is not much Mandarin left in my head anymore.

COUNTY Armagh Testing company, Resonate Testing Ltd, is investing £650k in its business, initially creating four jobs in the local area and expanding its offering of high-quality testing and qualification services to its global audience, as it celebrates its fifth birthday.

The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and will see the completion of a number of upgrades to the company’s facility in Newry, which has been declared a Centre of Excellence for Space. The Centre is the only commercial testing laboratory for aircraft interiors and their components on the Island of Ireland. 

Resonate Testing’s future growth strategy includes further investment in state-of-the-art machinery, working towards industry standards and accreditations, as well as continued staff development and an expansion of the company’s current portfolio of services.

Since taking receipt of their latest delivery earlier this month, a 10KN Shaker System, Resonate Testing is ideally positioned to not only advise customers, but to match their requirements with a wide range of test capabilities tailored to their needs. The company’s specialist testing services also include high shock testing, environmental, altitude, temperature, humidity and environmental chambers, pressure and load testing, as well as propulsion level fire testing.

Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon spoke about the investment saying, “We are excited to announce the additional capability as part of the future investment strategy, which will further enhance Resonate Testing’s offering to our local and global customer base. Since starting the expansion of the Nacelle Group of companies with the creation of Resonate Testing in 2016, offering a niche service to customers, we have stayed true to the principle of service and quality, which has driven significant growth and demand for our services. Our services range geographically to customers in Europe, USA, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Japan, as well as across the Island of Ireland and Great Britain.

“This increase in demand has allowed us to create four more jobs and take on more special projects, especially in the Space sector where we have assisted in testing processes with UK and Ireland Space Engineering companies on products that are being sent to outer space. It’s a very exciting time for the company.”

Invest NI has offered Resonate Testing £94,500 of support towards the purchasing of new equipment. Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering said: “ResonateTesting is an innovative, forward thinking company which has put innovation at the heart of its business to foster long-term growth. We have built an excellent partnership with Resonate over the years, previously supporting the company to establish a dedicated testing and certification facility in Newry, which has helped it to win new business, increase exports and create jobs in the local area. Our new offer of support to purchase new equipment will assist the company to keep up with demand for its services and help to drive further international success.”

Resonate Testing previously invested in high-quality live-stream testing technology, which futureproofed the company against any negative impact due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to their inability to travel, customers were provided the opportunity to remotely participate in live stream testing, which proved hugely popular and saw Resonate Testing achieve Platinum status for Innovation through an Invest Northern Ireland programme.

Tom continued, “We’re continually looking at ways to be innovative and add value to our customers and luckily for us, we had honed our live streaming testing processes prior to the pandemic. Our customers could be assured that the testing was being completed by our experienced team and to the high standards we are known for. This was evidenced when customers in the USA chose Resonate as their testing partner, as opposed to a testing company local to them.

“Offering customers the chance to participate in the testing process, where they could see the setup, demonstration, calibration and actual testing, as well as engage in real time dialogue with engineers and technicians, has been imperative to the success of the live stream testing, significantly improving the customer experience.”

Resonate Testing is a provider of world class testing services to local, national and global companies.  Our testing processes demonstrate compliance with international performance standards, whilst also testing the safety or reliability of customer products.

We are currently recruiting a Technician to join our busy and talented team based in Newry.

You should be passionate, enthusiastic and driven with a desire to pursue a future in the engineering and testing industry.

This full time, permanent role will see the successful candidate working in our Mechanical and Environmental facilities providing vibration, shock, temperature, humidity and fire testing for a number of sectors including aerospace, medical and automotive.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Desirable Criteria:

This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to join an exciting and innovative team.

To apply, email your CV with covering letter to CV@www.resonatetesting.com.

Closing date: 19th February 2021

*Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely

Growing up, Tom Mallon was certain about two things… he wanted to travel the world and he wanted to work in a job that he was passionate about.

Fast forward to 1985 and Tom took his first steps to accomplishing both these feats as he boarded a plane to the USA, where he spent the Summer months working his first ‘real job’ as a plumber’s mate in New York city, replacing faucets in Harlem and Long Island. Every 19 years old’s dream!

That first experience of working life stood Tom is good stead and he returned home with a determined mind and an aptitude to learn. With hard work and dedication, Tom successfully achieved a degree and a Masters in Engineering disciplines from two of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious Academic Institutions, Queen’s University and Ulster University.

In 1988, Tom began working for renowned manufacturer, Shorts in Belfast, where he was placed in the mechanical systems department for Dutch aircraft maker, Fokker’s wing and the Nacelle team. It was here that Tom’s love for all things aerospace began.

Following a happy, varied and extremely busy eight years at Shorts, which later became Bombardier, Tom made the move to Berlin, where he was employed by BMW Rolls Royce Aero Engines Dahlewitz (Now Rolls-Royce Germany), as a power plant installation designer. Once again working as part of the Nacelle Team, Tom held responsibility for the compliance with FAR, JAR and company regulations, ensuring the integrity of the design and installation of mechanical and electric systems associated with Engine Build Units (EBU) i.e. the systems that interface between engine and aircraft.

Continuing his allegiance with Nacelle Systems, Tom began working for GKN Westlands Aero Structures (WAE) in their Isle of Wight base, as well as in Tempe, Arizona, and Bombardier Montreal. Initially starting out as a GKN WAE Nacelle Systems Project Engineer with the company, Tom then progressed to EBU and Systems module owner.

With itchy feet, and his love of travelling and the aspiration of experiencing new cultures still prevailing, Tom was offered a chance to join the Aermacchi SpA (now part of the Finmeccanica- Alenia) team in Venegono in Italy, as an EBU technical systems Engineer and needless to say, he jumped at the chance.

Tom subsequently continued to deliver consultation engineering services to many prestigious and global companies including Aeroquip; Augusta Westland Cascina Costa, Italy, and Rolls Royce PLC in Derby.

It was then that Tom formed Nacelle Systems Consultancy, working with clients in the USA and European markets such as  Airgrup Spain divisions; Rolls Royce Deutschland; BAE Systems Prestwick / M-Jet; GEAE at Airbus Toulouse and back to where he began at Spirit (Shorts Brothers) in Belfast.

With the extensive engineering knowledge and experience he had built over many years, Tom knew the value that he had to offer the engineering sector, so he made the decision to establish Resonate Testing Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Nacelle Group in his home city of Newry in 2015. Resonate Testing has since become one of the most successful test houses for all industrial sectors, servicing clients throughout the Island of Ireland, the UK, Europe, Russia and the United States of America.

In 2020, Resonate Testing Ltd was declared a Centre of Excellence for testing components for use in space launch vehicles, being the only commercial facility on the Island of Ireland that can perform combined temperature and vibration testing up to 54kN, and SRS shock to 10,000G.

Whilst it hasn’t always been plain sailing, as is the nature of running any successful business, Tom continues to be as passionate about his work at Resonate Testing Ltd, as he was replacing faucets in New York in days gone by. Tom also credits the fantastic team that he has built around him, which now stands at 13people, and includes his wife Donna and son, Steven.

Not a bad achievement for someone who was expelled on their first day of Primary School….

TESTING company, Resonate Testing Ltd has been awarded the highest achievable accolade in the Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation programme for their cutting-edge processes, that have seen the delivery of high-quality live stream testing to global customers, futureproofing the company against the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Based at their Centre of Excellence in Newry, Resonate Testing Ltd has been at the forefront of innovation for over three years, following the introduction of live video streaming capabilities. This became even more necessary due to the shutdown of global travel as a result of the pandemic, and the technology is now being utilised and fully embraced by clients throughout the island of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe and the United States of America.

Innovate NI is a Department for the Economy programme, helping local businesses to take the steps to innovate successfully. It is delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, local councils and further education colleges.

The Innovation Accreditation programme recognises businesses in Northern Ireland that are broadening and strengthening their innovation capacity, capability and activity. Resonate Testing Ltd has been recognised as a Platinum level Innovator, due to the value created and sustained as a result of their innovation strategy.

Managing Director of Resonate Testing Ltd, Tom Mallon spoke about the accreditation saying, “We’re delighted to receive the Platinum level recognition for demonstrating innovation with the introduction of our live stream testing processes. We invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment prior to the pandemic, which included high-spec cameras, video lighting, Bluetooth technology and audio-visual communications.

“This equipment allows our team to conduct high-quality testing, with backup testing processes in place in the unlikely event of a blackout. Since the restrictions were placed on travel, we are finding that many organisations are looking for companies that specialise in virtual testing and with our experience, we’re the perfect fit.

“We have had organisations in America contact us to do their testing, as the testing processes delivered by local US companies were not meeting the required standards. The fact that we have been declared a Centre of Excellence in Ireland for our testing, reinforces our commitment to high quality testing, which is reassuring for our clients.”

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI’s Director of Innovation, Research and Development said: “Now more than ever, it’s important for businesses across Northern Ireland to seek opportunities via innovation, to help drive business growth and resilience. Resonate Testing Ltd is a great example of this, ensuring innovation is at the core of the business, resulting in the development of product providing competitive advantage.

“Invest NI has supported the company since it was established in 2015. Our support, combined with the company’s culture of innovation has helped Resonate Testing Ltd to break into new markets, create jobs, gain international customers and secure its success. I would like to congratulate Resonate Testing Ltd’s team on its Platinum level Innovator achievement, the highest level of Innovation recognition under the Accreditation programme. I wish Resonate Testing Ltd every success in its future growth and will be keen to hear of future developments.”

Resonate Testing Ltd provides a range of testing processes to many industries including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, medical devices, consumer goods and telecommunications.

NEWRY-based testing company, Resonate Testing Ltd, has invested in future development by offering young talent a number of intern and graduate opportunities.

The company, which specialises in high quality fire and flammability, vibration and shock, environmental and climatic testing and certification services, has experienced continued growth and global success since its establishment in 2015. This has allowed Resonate Testing Ltd to offer internships and post-graduate roles that will enable young talent to see first-hand, the practical elements involved in working for an innovative, global company.

Tom Mallon, Managing Director said, “Here at Resonate Testing Ltd, we are passionate about developing young people and helping to teach them the ‘tricks of the trade’. Sometimes the practical experience can make the difference in a good and a great engineer! We have had some fantastic talent come through our doors who we are sure will go on to carve successful careers.”

Newry student, Méabh McMahon, who is studying Aero-Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, was one such student who recently completed a placement with Resonate Testing Ltd. Speaking about her experience, Méabh said, “My time at Resonate Testing Ltd gave me the opportunity to put the theoretical experience that I learnt at University into practice and apply it to real world test items. I was given the opportunity to assist in the testing on customers’ parts and products, as well as helping with additions, analysis and support of the company’s quality management systems.

“One of the main achievements for me was producing high quality reports for customers, explaining and backing up what was completed, which is a critical part of the business. I worked on a range of reports for various sectors including aerospace and telecommunications, as well as for military equipment and consumer goods, so there was a lot of multi-industry experience and exposure.

“This involvement has made me more confident in both my technical and practical skills and I’m looking forward to using the knowledge in my final year of University and to help me in my career thereafter.”

In addition to Méabh’s experience, Resonate Testing Ltd has hired Olivia McAvoy as the first graduate engineer of the company’s new graduate programme. Olivia, from Newry, recently graduated from Queen’s University in Belfast after completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Resonate Testing Ltd operates from a 6,000sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility and provides services to the UK, Ireland and beyond.

For more information, visit the website www.resonatetesting.com or call +44(0)28 9073 6390.

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