Mechanical Testing Technical Assessor

About the Role

UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. We are expanding our network of independent Technical Assessors with expertise in mechanical testing, covering fracture toughness, creep & stress rupture, and fatigue testing. You will support assessments of laboratories performing mechanical testing in line with ISO/EN/ASTM standards, ensuring organisations demonstrate technical competence, impartiality, and consistency.

Mechanical testing is a broad field, and we do not expect any single applicant to cover every specialist area. Strong expertise in just one of the major disciplines—fracture mechanics, fatigue/crack growth, or creep & stress rupture—is entirely suitable.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess testing laboratories for technical competence in fracture toughness, fatigue, creep, and associated mechanical test methods.
• Review technical documentation, calibration practices, measurement processes, and procedural controls.
• Evaluate the suitability of equipment, software validation, environmental conditions, and operator competence.
• Witness laboratory testing activities where necessary.
• Review compliance with relevant standards, including BS EN ISO, ASTM and in‑house validated methods.
• Provide objective, evidence‑based feedback to support accreditation decisions.

What We’re Looking For

Proven, practical experience in one or more of the following discipline areas:

• Fracture Mechanics (e.g., CTOD, K₁C, J‑integral, R‑curves)
• Fatigue & Crack Growth (e.g., strain‑controlled, da/dN behaviour, rotating bend)
• Creep & Stress Rupture (e.g., high‑temperature deformation, relaxation, pyrometry)

Ability to interpret and apply relevant standards such as:

• Fracture: BS EN ISO 15653, BS 7448 series, ASTM E399, ASTM E1820, ASTM E1290, ASTM E1921
• Creep: BS EN ISO 204, BS EN 2002‑5, ASTM E139, ASTM E292, ASTM E1012
• Fatigue: BS 3518 series, BS 7270, ASTM E466, ASTM E606, BS ISO 12108, ASTM E647

Understanding of metrology, alignment, extensometry, pyrometry, uncertainty of measurement, and workshop practice.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Attributes Valued by UKAS

• Strong analytical and technical judgement.
• Clear communication and confident engagement with technical teams.
• Independence, professionalism, and integrity.
• Ability to manage assessment preparation, on‑site activity, and reporting efficiently.

Typical Backgrounds

This opportunity suits professionals with experience in one or more of the following:

• Mechanical testing laboratories (commercial, aerospace, automotive, defence, manufacturing).
• Metallurgical and materials testing environments.
• High‑temperature materials research or fatigue/crack growth R&D.
• Structural integrity, failure analysis, or component qualification roles.
• Engineering consultancies focused on mechanical behaviour, fatigue, fracture, or creep.

Conflict of Interest

During the onboarding process, a conflict‑of‑interest check will be carried out to ensure complete impartiality. We rely on our Assessors to declare any potential or perceived conflicts before accepting or continuing with an assignment, so that UKAS can assess and manage these appropriately.

Contract Details

This is an independent contractor role, with assessments assigned on an ad‑hoc basis. You will need to hold Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance, and be prepared to travel across the UK, with occasional international trips. Fees are paid per assessment and include preparation and reporting.

Key skills/competency

• Mechanical Testing
• Fracture Mechanics
• Fatigue Testing
• Creep & Stress Rupture
• Laboratory Assessment
• ISO/ASTM Standards
• Technical Documentation
• Calibration Practices
• Metrology
• Data Analysis