Ian Stewart has been appointed as Quality Engineer with Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing.

Bringing extensive experience in quality management and testing and validation to the role, Ian will be responsible for ensuring quality standards are maintained and developed within the company. He also played an instrumental role in the company’s recent achievement of the ISTA Certification for packaging testing.

Ian’s previous experience includes roles at Schrader Electronics/Sensata Techologies and Lucas Stability Electronics.

NEWRY company, Resonate Testing, the leading commercial test house on the island of Ireland, conducted high level vibration and SRS shock testing on equipment that was used as part of the successful launch of the James Webb telescope on Christmas Day.

The telescope, the largest, most powerful and complex telescope ever built, has been described as a “time machine” by scientists and will allow astronomers to study the beginning of the universe shortly after the big bang, 13.8 billion years ago, as well as hunting for signs of life-supporting planets in our own galaxy.

Resonate Testing worked with Dublin based Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, which played a critical role in the launch by providing video images of the separation of the fairings (equipment used to protect the spacecraft during launch), and the spacecraft from the rocket.

Réaltra Space Systems ensured that all products underwent a rigorous “qualification” test campaign, which validated that the design could survive the harsh environments of the launch and space with sufficient margin. The process included extensive testing by Resonate Testing’s experienced and knowledgeable team to ensure the tests were completed to the required space industry standards.

Speaking about the launch of the most ambitious robot probe ever built, the $10bn James Webb telescope, which was blasted into space on top of a giant European rocket, Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, said “Christmas was extra special this year. As a company we were extremely proud to have played a part in the successful launch of the huge Ariane 5 launcher and the James Webb telescope from the European Space Agency’s station in French Guiana.

“We have been working with Realtra Space for some time, and in recent years we have been competing on a global level by exploiting key upstream resources and developing world-class space downstream capabilities.”

Resonate Testing operates from its Centre of Excellence for Space in Newry and provides a range of testing processes across many sectors. The company has seen an increasing number of tests within the Space Sector, which can be attributed to its ability to rapidly develop and approve new capabilities, following requests from customers – not just in the space sector, but across the many industries that they service. This demonstrates Resonate Testing’s exceptional engineering services as a tried and tested facilitator.

In 2020, the company was awarded Platinum in the Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation programme for its cutting-edge processes that seen the delivery of high-quality live stream testing to global customers, including Réaltra, throughout the global pandemic.

“WE urgently need the Government to step up and support the Space Sector so we can compete in the global market.” That’s the words of Resonate Testing Managing Director, Tom Mallon who fears the region may be left behind its GB counterparts if support is not provided, threatening the progress that has already been made in the sector.

The call comes ahead of the latest All Ireland Space Industry Day, hosted by the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS) Group, which takes place at Armagh City Hotel on Thursday 21^st October. The event will look at innovation within the Space Sector throughout the region, which has been competing on a global level in recent years by exploiting key space engineering, manufacturing, and testing resources and developing world-class space data analytics and machine learning capabilities.

Mr Mallon believes that as well as providing support, including financial assistance, the Government needs to step up and help companies upskill their employees, so they are able to compete on the global market. Depending on the level of support provided, he believes the sector will either see further significant growth by many local SMEs, or alternatively, if no action is taken, it could potentially squander the opportunities that have arisen from the NI Protocol and the unfettered access to the EU markets.

Tom said, “The Space Sector offers so much potential to many SMEs in Northern Ireland, but if we don’t act now, we are going to miss out. The good work that has been achieved will disappear. Political figures and business leaders need to approach this from a ‘levelling up’ agenda. When we look at spend here in Northern Ireland, we are not seeing the opportunities that mainland UK see. If our political leaders don’t support us, we are going to miss out.

“We are now competing on an international and global level. We need to be able to find the right staff and train them to the level required so Northern Ireland can pursue its vision of becoming a globally recognised region for space sector innovation and creativity. This will allow us to exploit further opportunities in the future.”

The Space Cluster within the region has grown in recent years and saw the launch of the Northern Ireland Space Strategy, as well as the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group (NISSIG), but to get to the next level, more support needs to be provided to those companies that operate within the sector.

Resonate Testing is one of those companies. Recognised as one of the leading commercial test houses on the Island of Ireland, the company operates from its Centre of Excellence for Space in Newry and provides a range of testing processes across many sectors. In the last 12 months, there has been an increasing demand for tests within the Space Sector and over the next 18 months, the company is on track to grow its space related work from an estimated 10% to 25% of company turnover.

High level vibration and SRS shock testing was conducted by Resonate Testing on equipment that will be used as part of the launch for the upcoming James Webb telescope; the largest, most powerful and complex telescope ever built, which will be launched into space on 18^th December 2021.

By raising awareness of the capabilities of companies throughout the Island of Ireland, many of which are up and coming, Tom believes the sector will thrive. He said, “Here in Northern Ireland, and across the island, we have so many companies doing incredible work across the space sector, but with the right support, they and many other companies, will be able to do so much more. We need to raise awareness of our capabilities and through support from the Government and events like the All Ireland Space Industry Day, I firmly believe we will be able to achieve this.”

As part of the All Ireland Space Industry Day, Tom will be presenting alongside Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer at Dublin-based Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, on how the company remained resilient throughout the pandemic, whilst continuing its innovation. Resonate Testing was awarded Platinum in the Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation programme for its cutting-edge processes that seen the delivery of high-quality live stream testing to global customers, including Réaltra, throughout the global pandemic.

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 20^th 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/.

Job Title: Quality/ Technical Administrator

Start date: Aug - Sept 2021

Reporting To: The Nacelle Group General Manager

Salary: £23,000 - £30,000 (pa - 38 hours per week –flexible role)

Job Purpose:  Resonate Testing is one of the leading commercial test houses on the Island of Ireland, providing high quality testing and certification services to organisations across all industrial sectors, demonstrating compliance with international performance standards, whilst also testing the safety and reliability of customer products. Part of The Nacelle Group, Resonate Testing has specialist knowledge in vibration and shock, fire and flammability, and environmental and climatic testing in industries including aerospace, medical devices, space, aerospace and automotive.

Following our recent investment and continued growth of the company, we are inviting applications for a Quality/ Technical Administrator to join our multi-talented team, based at our Centre of Excellence in Newry.

We are looking for an individual capable of working flexibly to meet the changing demands of a busy laboratory. The role focused on supporting the business administration and managing the quality management system relating to all test house activities, staff and systems to enable the effective delivery of tests. You will need to have good 'attention to detail’ and be capable of maintaining a disciplined and consistent approach to all activities, a good communicator and team player.

Note:

Applicants must have all appropriate permits and visas to work in the UK and European Union.

The successful candidate will be asked to complete an AccessNI check and medical.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering continuous improvement of Laboratory Performance including completion and corrective action of Internal Audits, problem solving, Investigation of Anomalies and Trend Analysis and Participation in Laboratory Meetings.
• Supporting the smooth running of the company with a varied number of administrative duties.
• Responsible for the maintenance of quality documentation to maintain accreditation (and other accreditations where appropriate).
• To attend external audits by UKAS, and clients and to ensure that corrective actions are completed and submitted to the relevant body within the timescale required.
• Ensure that all records are kept in an orderly manner.
• Ensure that the Quality Manual and associated procedures & documents, including laboratory methods and records, are maintained up to date. Amendment and re-issue of all documentation as necessary.
• Ensure customer complaints and service issues are investigated, documented and resolved.
• Manage the Action internal auditing programme. Ensure that internal audits are carried out on time.
• Manage the corrective action process to ensure timely clearance of actions raised.
• Responsible for holding local monthly Quality System Review meetings ensuring that all minutes are documented and actions arising are completed within required timescales.
• Manage the participation in external proficiency testing schemes, ensuring results are reported on time, investigation of unsatisfactory results and compilation of reports on scheme results.
• Ensure suitable internal QC schemes are in place and results obtained are satisfactory. Ensure that any unsatisfactory results are investigated in accordance with the quality system.

• Ensure that all new staff are inducted into the requirements of the QMS related to their own roles and responsibilities. Provide update training as necessary.
• Ensure that all suppliers used by the organization are selected, evaluated and revaluated and that records of this assessment are maintained.
• Ensure that top management undertakes periodic but regular assessments of customer satisfaction and that consequent improvements are identified and implemented.

Analyse data on the effectiveness of the QMS and evaluate where continual improvements of the QMS can be made. This shall include data generated as a result of monitoring and measurement and from other relevant sources.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:                  Quality/ Technical Administrator 

Job Title: Business Development and Administration Role

Start date: August / September 2021

Reporting To: General Manager

Salary: £25k-£35k (DOE)

Job Purpose: Resonate Testing provides a wide range of testing services, including to international customers, demonstrating compliance with international performance standards supporting safety or reliability of their products.

Your role will be to support the current and future business operations and support the General Manager in expanding the business.

The business expansion includes significant growth into fire testing of building and construction materials and systems.

The application of common sense, working within our quality ystem, and your proficiency with standard Microsoft office programs are three essential requirements in the performance of this role.

With full support and training provided, you can help to develop and grow our business.

The job offers the opportunity to work and grow with a business providing world class mechanical and environmental test facilities including vibration, shock testing, and fire testing for industry and R&D. The role will also involve working with, and in compliance, with the requirements of our quality system.

We are looking for an individual capable of working independently to meet the business demands of a busy test facility. You will need to have good 'attention to detail’ and be capable of maintaining a disciplined and consistent approach to business activities, which will include projecting the companies capabilities and achievements using a range of social media, and trade events.

Note:

Applicants must have all appropriate permits and visas to work in the UK and European Union.

The successful candidate will be asked to complete an AccessNI check and medical.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate ability to drive growth in business turnover and capability.
• Preparation and execution of day-to-day business activities including business development and social media presence.
• As part of the business development team your personality and approach must be positive and constructive.
• Supporting customers and staff within our quality system.
• Support branding and regular attendance at trade shows and industry events.
• Follow and document appropriate business procedures and processes.
• Follow and document appropriate business development procedures and processes.
• Ensure the maintenance of equipment registers.
• Learn and adhere to internal quality policy, working with quality in mind and reporting any deviations through the quality process

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:                     Business Development and Administration Role

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.

Resonate Testing is one of the leading commercial test houses on the Island of Ireland, providing high quality testing and certification services to organisations across all industrial sectors, demonstrating compliance with international performance standards, whilst also testing the safety and reliability of customer products. Part of The Nacelle Group, Resonate Testing has specialist knowledge in vibration and shock, fire and flammability, and environmental and climatic testing in industries including aerospace, medical devices, space, aerospace and automotive.   

Following our recent investment and continued growth of the company, we are inviting applications for an Engineer (Experienced) to join our multi-talented team, based at our Centre of Excellence in Newry. A minimum of three years' experience is required for this role.

As part of the role, the successful candidate will work as part of the team within our mechanical and environmental test facilities, which include vibration, shock, temperature, humidity and fire testing for many different industries including aerospace, medical, automotive and construction materials.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Organising and undertaking both internal and external tests
• Producing engineering reports for testing of customer components as per project requirements
• Specification of mechanical fixturing and test measurement equipment; preparation of test rigs and equipment; setup of data acquisition systems; creation of automated rig control scripts; supervision of test technicians; post-processing and analysis of data
• Writing test specifications and carrying out tests against customer or internal requirement specifications
• Promoting repeatability and robustness of test processes with a focus on safety
• Liaising with external bodies to assist with the delivery of tests, including fixtures, reporting and maintaining to agreed schedules
• Maintaining test equipment, advising and implementing improvements as required, including HS&E activities relating to test facilities
• Ensuring a safe working environment by following, supporting and maintaining working practices
• Ensuring work complies with ISO 17025 policies and procedures

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum three years' experience
• Proven, hands-on experience in a test, design or development environment
• Strong mechanical or electrical engineering background with the ability to apply fundamental engineering principles to the analysis and interpretation of test results, as well as to the specification of mechanical and electrical assemblies to support in-house testing
• Strong analytical and judgment skills including the ability to troubleshoot and advise on solutions in the area of testing
• Ability to take a hands-on approach in test setup and instrumentation/data acquisition.
• Practical knowledge in the design, use, and application of components in specific industries would be beneficial
• A creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to practically resolve issues and innovate where required
• Good initiative, with the ability to manage own time and priorities
• A flexible approach to work, with a desire to thrive in a dynamic and fast-moving environment
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), good collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams within the organisation
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW and SolidWorks preferred
• Willingness to travel as required

Salary: £34k plus (Commensurate with experience. A competitive package and salary will be provided to the successful candidate)

Job Reference: Resonate Engineer 2021

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Resonate Testing, Bridge Technology Park, Carnagat Lane, Chancellors Road, Newry, Co.Down, BT35 8XF

Flexibility will be offered within this role to the successful candidate.