Aerodynamics Engineer (Testing)
Aircraft Research Association (ARA) is a unique SME and the UK’s leading independent transonic wind tunnel with a passionate workforce of engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in aerodynamic research providing complementary services and solutions to international aerospace and defence clients. Our clients include Saab, Bombardier, Boeing, Turkish Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Comac and BAE Systems.
Typical projects include producing scaled-down military and civilian aircraft models, comprising multiple parts, which are assembled together and used as highly accurate forces/pressures measuring devices within the on-site high-speed (transonic) wind tunnel.
We are seeking to recruit a talented and passionate Aerodynamics Engineer into our Aerodynamics Department. Reporting to a Team Leader within Aerodynamics, the successful candidate will be expected to support a wide variety of commercial and research projects from inception to completion through all the stages of preparation, wind tunnel testing, aerodynamic analysis and reporting. This position will be focussed on supporting our experimental testing and any experience of commercial wind tunnel applications and advanced measurement techniques would be highly regarded.
The successful candidate would be working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled engineers to provide technical management of our customers with projects which generate high quality aerodynamic data from a variety of equipment and techniques used across the company’s facilities such as ARA’s Transonic Wind Tunnel.
Typical hours: Full-time, 40-hour per week (shift work may be required)
Salary range: £30,000 to £35,000 (depending on experience)
This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:
- Design, define and manage the successful and efficient delivery of wind tunnel tests;
- Provide technical leadership, direction and support to the overall Project Team;
- Lead wind tunnel shifts, giving direction to multidisciplinary teams of operational staff to enable the efficient delivery of high-quality data to customers;
- Take ownership of projects and tasks throughout programmes of work;
- Communicate effectively with other stakeholders within and outside of ARA, such as Design & Manufacture, Engineering, and customer and client teams;
- Liaise with customers to gauge and capture project requirements and provide ongoing technical support throughout the programme;
- Deliver projects per the scope of the contract, to the required quality standards within time and cost constraints;
- Participate in, and ultimately lead, the preparation of technical bids;
- Oversee and organise aerodynamic, mechanical, computing and programme requirements for wind tunnel tests;
- Take responsibility for data quality and timely provision of results and/or reports to a global client base;
- Produce written technical reports to following completion of wind tunnel tests, as well as to aid development activities;
- Conduct analysis and interpretation of aerodynamic datasets as appropriate;
- Guide and assist with the physical setup of models and experimental instrumentation;
- Comply with ARA Health and Safety, Quality, and Security processes and procedures;
- Suggest and be involved in the research and implementation of new test rigs, data collection and analysis methods, and facility improvements;
- Be proactive in on-going personal development as well as being cognisant of innovative processes and capability at ARA.
What we are looking for in you:
- Will hold a degree level qualification, or have equivalent experience in an aerospace, engineering or science and technology related discipline;
- Be proactive and enthusiastic in the undertaking of their role;
- Will be comfortable working independently, as well as embedded within established teams, seeking support where necessary;
- Demonstrable knowledge of aerodynamics from a relevant field;
- Excellent communication and networking skills;
- Willingness to engage and collaborate with both internal and external parties;
- Ability to see projects through to completion;
- Exhibit confidence to question the status quo and to strive for improvement;
- Relevant industrial or academic work experience is desirable;
- Experience of wind tunnel testing is highly desirable;
- Knowledge of transonic and aircraft aerodynamics is highly desirable.
Our benefits:
This is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; free parking; share incentive plan; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with length of service after 5 years’ service).
The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency.
Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
If you think you are the person we are looking for, please complete the form below.
