Careers

Job Overview:

The Systems Engineering Team (SET) leads the engineering input to all test facilities and supporting systems around our Transonic Wind Tunnel. ARA are now looking for a Senior Electrical Systems Engineer to come and join the team. Role is 5 days a week on site in Bedford.

This includes understanding, maintaining and improving existing plant, machinery and systems, alongside the definition and introduction of new capabilities as we continue our transformation and upgrade journey.

Within the SET the purpose of role of the Senior Electrical Systems Engineer is as follows:

To support the ongoing maintenance and operation of legacy plant, through definition of maintenance regimes (in collaboration with Plant Operations and Maintenance team), and investigation and troubleshooting of operational issues and breakdowns.
To introduce new electrical systems and technologies into the design of the facility and ensure their reliable and robust operation and maintainability in service.
In response to requirements to develop the facilities’ capabilities, or to operational issues, to develop design solutions and implement these through formally controlled processes for the full life cycle. This will include capture of requirements, design definition, completion of design reviews, justification of design choices, recording of design details, acting as “owners’ engineer” for procurement and installation phases, and active participation in commissioning and test, and technical acceptance of the solution.
To ensure that all necessary technical documentation required to support the delivery, commissioning, acceptance, training and operation of the technical solution is produced and approved.

Whilst this role is largely aimed at the electrical aspects of the site’s facilities and infrastructure, there may be a requirement to utilise existing skills in adjacent areas, such as electronics, control systems and mechanical engineering.

The Senior Electrical Systems Engineer works across a wide variety of projects including those addressing plant and equipment repair and refurbishment, component selection, process improvement, and new equipment, across a broad range of industrial plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment, and low and high voltage systems.

Role and Responsibilities:

Understand the design intent of existing plant and machinery, their operating regimes and maintenance requirements including legacy equipment.
Design and implement new electrical engineering elements of plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment, ensuring documentation and engineering justifications are maintained appropriately in accordance with company processes.
Understand and characterise existing plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment such that its integration with new equipment can be ensured.
Review telemetry and data gathered from operational equipment to understand performance.
Take engineering ownership of entire projects such as the refurbishment of significant plant assets. This includes conversations with suppliers about replacements when needed.
Maintain and upgrade the electrical and process engineering elements of legacy plant and equipment, taking a pragmatic approach to introducing new and effective fixes to old technical or safety problems.
Perform analysis of the electrical aspects of systems.
Observe all safety requirements around high-energy systems such as high-pressure air/hydraulics, high voltages and lasers.
Record knowledge gained in company systems.
Self-manage, plan own work and ensure key milestones are met.
Work together with other team members of varied disciplines.

Person Specification:

Degree (Bachelors or Masters) qualified in Electrical Engineering or closely related subject.
5 – 10 years’ industrial experience post degree in a similar role.
Understanding of industrial machinery.
Understanding of the application of formal design control and change procedures.
Appreciation of the importance of continuous improvement.
Experience or a working knowledge of electrical circuit design software, such as SPICE, or implementation languages such as LabVIEW, PLC programming, Matlab etc. (other tools may be more appropriate)
Experience with Control Systems or Electronics would be a bonus
Happy to take the lead in determining the best solutions to problems and then driving those solutions to completion.
Happy to get involved with physical work and able and willing to work in parts of the site with difficult or limited access.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

We are looking to recruit an experienced Wind Tunnel (Test) Engineer whose primary function will be to operate aerodynamic test facilities in a safe, efficient manner, consistent with the needs of customer test requirements. Operation may include equipment calibration, the set-up of specialized measurement/monitoring equipment, model assembly for test, troubleshooting, making and implementing agreed recommendations for improvement and test execution. The main test facility will be ARA’s 9’x8’ transonic wind tunnel but there are complementary facilities which the position will also cover.

Typical hours: Full-time, 40-hour per week (shift work may be required on a rotating weekly basis)

This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:

General departmental duties e.g. record maintenance, model storage, organization of equipment, rig maintenance, etc...
Working within a team environment in the preparation and assembly of models and rigs for testing to defined quality standards, giving consideration to schedule and costs.
Maintenance, calibration and quality control of specialist rigs, facilities and associated equipment.
Preparation and installation of specialist optical measurement systems in test facilities.
Operating the main Transonic Wind Tunnel.
Operating complementary test facilities.
Making recommendations for design, process or hardware modifications to support continuous improvement.
Operation and development of aerodynamic test facilities, rigs and equipment, including the operation of control systems directly associated with the facilities and specialist rigs.
Undertaking training, where necessary, in support of the above duties, to ensure that safe working practices are observed (e.g. forklift, facility operation, manual handling, confined spaces, etc).

What we are looking for in you:

Educated to HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering with hands on experience with specialist equipment or facilities.
Solid background in mechanical engineering and an appreciation of other engineering disciplines such as instrumentation, control systems, high pressure hydraulics or pneumatics.
Previous experience working within an R&D and/or commercial environment.
Team player, capable of coaching and mentoring less experienced employees as well as supervision of apprentices as required.
Flexible and positive attitude, with drive, commitment and willingness to go that extra mile to meet deadlines/schedules.
Attention to detail in terms of quality of work whilst maintaining a clean, safe working environment.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

About the Role

Step into the role of a Precision Fitter and become a key force behind the creation of our most advanced, high‑specification metal model airplanes for testing in the wind tunnel.

In this hands‑on position, you’ll bring intricate components and subassemblies together with exceptional accuracy, ensuring every build meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Your day-to-day work will span everything from fine de‑burring to specialist workshop fitting, drawing on your technical skill and sharp eye for detail. If you thrive on meticulous craftsmanship and take pride in getting things exactly right, you’ll feel right at home here.

This role is particularly well suited to those with experience in the mold tool industry, where precision, problem‑solving, and a deep understanding of engineered components are second nature. Your background will give you a strong foundation to excel and make an immediate impact.

Typical working hours: Full time, 38 hours per week (shift work may be required)

Key Responsibilities

Hand-finish simple and complex 3D metallic profiles to remove machining marks and achieve a polished finish.
Assemble multiple component sub-assemblies to precise tolerances with the assistance of engineers' blue.
Perform hand-finishing on joint lines to achieve seamless transitions and eliminate steps between components.
Assemble precision components, including the installation of pressure tubing.
Use manual milling, jig boring, turning, and grinding machinery as required.
Monitor and maintain the condition of fitting equipment, reporting any issues promptly.
Communicate and coordinate effectively with the Fitting Supervisor, Production Manager and other departments to provide clear progress updates.
Support additional model-making tasks as directed.

Essential Skills & Experience

Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in a toolmaking environment.
Possession of an HNC, HND, or City & Guilds qualification in a related field.
Foundation in manual machining, including milling, jig boring, turning, and grinding.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances.
Accurately interpret and work from technical drawings and specifications with a good understanding of GD&T.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
Self-motivated, with a commitment to high-quality work and continuous skill development.
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Effective communicator and team player.
Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to Health and Safety standards.

Desirable Experience

Familiarity with other manufacturing processes, such as EDM wiring/plunge, CNC Milling, or CNC turning, is advantageous.

If you are a meticulous craftsperson who values accuracy, quality, and precision engineering, we would love to hear from you.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

We are seeking a skilled and experienced CNC Machinist to join our team. This role is critical to our production of high-value, one-off components for wind tunnel models. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for precision and a strong background in CNC machine setting and operation, we encourage you to apply.

Typical working hours: Full time, 38 hours per week (shift work may be required)

Key Responsibilities:

Perform online programming tasks directly on CNC machines using Heidenhain controls; training can be provided if you have experience with other control systems.
Set up and operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines with a high degree of precision and efficiency.
Accurately interpret and work from technical drawings and specifications.
Understanding of GD&T.
Apply in-depth knowledge of machining processes, tooling, and materials to optimize production.
Operate multiple machines as required to meet production schedules.
Communicate and coordinate effectively with the CNC Supervisor, Production Manager and other departments to provide clear progress updates.

Essential Skills:

Proven experience as a CNC machinist with a deep understanding of 3 and 5-axis programming.
Skilled in CNC setup, including preparation of tooling, fixtures, and workpieces.
Strong experience in online CNC programming, with strong problem-solving abilities for setups and real-time adjustments.
Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring tight tolerances on bespoke components.
Effective communication skills for collaboration with team members, technical leads, and management.
Possession of an HNC, HND, City & Guilds qualification in a related field, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in CNC machining and programming.
Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to Health and Safety standards.

Desirable Skills

Knowledge in the setup and operation of CNC Milling Machines.
Experience in manual milling and turning.
Experience using cylindrical grinders and flatbed grinders.
Offline programming using Autodesk PowerMill or similar CAD/CAM package would be an advantage.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

ARA are now looking for a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer to come and join the team. The Systems Engineering Team (SET) leads the engineering input to all test facilities and supporting systems around our Transonic Wind Tunnel. Role is 5 days a week on site in Bedford.

This includes understanding, maintaining and improving existing plant, machinery and systems, alongside the definition and introduction of new capabilities as we continue our transformation and upgrade journey.

Within the SET the purpose of role of the Senior Electrical Systems Engineer is as follows:

To support the ongoing maintenance and operation of legacy plant, through definition of maintenance regimes (in collaboration with Plant Operations and Maintenance team), and investigation and troubleshooting of operational issues and breakdowns.
To introduce new mechanical systems and technologies into the design of the facility and ensure their reliable and robust operation and maintainability in service.
In response to requirements to develop the facilities’ capabilities, or to operational issues, to develop design solutions and implement these through formally controlled processes for the full life cycle. This will include capture of requirements, design definition, completion of design reviews, justification of design choices, recording of design details, acting as “owners’ engineer” for procurement and installation phases, and active participation in commissioning and test, and technical acceptance of the solution.
To ensure that all necessary technical documentation required to support the delivery, commissioning, acceptance, training and operation of the technical solution is produced and approved.
Whilst this role is largely aimed at the mechanical aspects of the site’s facilities and infrastructure, there may be a requirement to utilise existing skills in adjacent areas, such as civil/structural engineering, electrical engineering and electronics.

The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer works across a wide variety of projects including those addressing plant and equipment repair, refurbishment and upgrade including component selection, process improvement, and new equipment, across a broad range of industrial plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment including: Rotating machinery and associated drive, hydraulic and pneumatic systems including air compressors, cooling systems and heat pumps plus water treatment plant.

Role and Responsibilities:

Understand the design intent of existing plant and machinery, their operating regimes and maintenance requirements including legacy equipment.
Design and implement new mechanical engineering elements of plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment, ensuring documentation and engineering justifications are maintained appropriately in accordance with company processes.
Understand and characterise existing plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment such that its integration with new equipment can be ensured.
Review telemetry and data gathered from operational equipment to understand performance.
Take engineering ownership of entire projects such as the refurbishment of significant plant assets. This includes conversations with suppliers about replacements when needed.
Maintain and upgrade the mechanical and process engineering elements of legacy plant and equipment, taking a pragmatic approach to introducing new and effective fixes to old technical or safety problems.
Perform analysis of the electrical aspects of systems.
Observe all safety requirements around high-energy systems such as high-pressure air/hydraulics, high voltages and lasers.
Record knowledge gained in company systems.
Self-manage, plan own work and ensure key milestones are met.
Work together with other team members of varied disciplines.

Person Specification:

Degree (Bachelors or Masters) qualified in Mechanical Engineering or closely related subject.
5 – 10 years’ industrial experience post degree in a similar role.
Understanding of industrial machinery.
Understanding of the application of formal design control and change procedures.
Appreciation of the importance of continuous improvement.
Experience or a working knowledge of mechanical design software, such as CATIA, or modelling languages such as Matlab etc. (other tools may be more appropriate).
Experience with Control Systems or Electronics would be a bonus
Happy to take the lead in determining the best solutions to problems and then driving those solutions to completion.
Happy to get involved with physical work and able and willing to work in parts of the site with difficult or limited access.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

We are looking to recruit an experienced and motivated Mechanical Technician to work as part of the integrated Engineering Services Team, reporting to the Team Leader and responsible for carrying out planned and reactive maintenance to the facility including installation and modification of the facility.

Typical working hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, shift work (typical hours are 06:30 – 14.30 and 14.00 – 22:00 on a rotating basis)
Flexible working scheme: Mechanical Technician employees are entitled to 0.4 hours of overtime or TOIL for every day worked. Meaning, in a week of work you can accrue 2 hours of overtime or 2 hours of TOIL (in house called FWS).

Key responsibilities:

Carry out inspections, maintenance and repairs of the equipment involved with tunnel testing and mechanical services (planned maintenance).
Responsible for the repair of plant and equipment during breakdown including fault-finding in accordance with supervisory instructions (reactive maintenance).
Be responsible for the installation of new plant and equipment in accordance with supervisory instructions and share ideas on design and implementation improvements, as appropriate.
Compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental procedures providing appropriate input into the preparation of and adherence to risk assessments and method statements.
Compliance with site security procedures.
Member of Emergency Response team.

What do we need from you?
Mechanical Apprenticeship and/or significant demonstrated experience of installing, maintaining, repairing and inspecting industrial plant equipment and systems, such as:

High Pressure compressed air systems.
Water cooling & treatment systems.
Plant lubrication and hydraulic systems.
Mechanical machinery and infrastructure, including rotating/reciprocating components (gears, chains, linkages and actuating rods).
Team player, capable of coaching and mentoring less experienced employees as well as supervision of apprentices as required.
Flexible and positive attitude, willing to go that extra mile to meet deadlines/schedules.
Attention to detail in terms of quality of work.
Drive and commitment to improve own skills and be receptive to new ideas and ways of working.
Self-motivated with good communication and can-do attitude to overcome issues that arise.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

About the role:
We are looking to recruit an experienced Project Manager whose primary function will be to lead the successful delivery of business improvement, and infrastructure investment and development projects competently, securely and safely with a focus on investments requirement.

Typical hours: Full-time, 38 hours per week

This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:

Project Management

Take full ownership of project management assignments from requirements capture and business case to closure.
Work in collaboration with project technical managers, project team (where applicable) and resource managers to identify, define, plan and manage projects in accordance with company project delivery processes, including required stage gates and milestones, to deliver to schedule and budget.
Ensure timely initiation of external procurement requirements and support negotiations with suppliers and contractors (working with ARA’s procurement team and technical experts), and act as intelligent customer, with respect to schedule and budget, through the project delivery phases.
Act as the prime point of contact for assigned projects with internal client representatives/project sponsors/subject matter experts in collaboration with project technical managers.
Act as the prime point of contact for assigned projects with heads of department when resource and/or schedule conflicts are escalated.
Ensure key assumptions and risks are identified and mitigating actions are managed effectively (including cost implications).
Monitor and control the project, address issues with the help of the project team and other colleagues and lead the project change management process to effectively manage changes to requirements, timescales and associated costs whilst avoiding scope creep.
Support effective cash flow management with the input of the procurement and finance teams, ensuring subcontract payment terms are favourable to ARA where possible.
Prepare and present regular project status reports to stakeholders and senior management - highlighting issues and offering effective solutions to overcome them.
Work in a safe and professional manner and in full compliance with UK law, ARA Health, Safety and Environmental procedures, Quality standards and procedures, Security policies and procedures and (where applicable) those of ARA’s business partners.
Follow project reporting methods and tools defined by the PMO.
Advancement of Project Management Capability.
Work with other Project Managers from different areas of the business to build skills, tools, techniques and processes within the project management cohort.
Encourage and support the development of project management capabilities and experience of technical leaders across ARA’s business streams.

What we are looking for in you:

A university degree or equivalent skills and experience in an engineering or technically demanding discipline.
Demonstrated experience of delivering complex technical projects, preferably with a capital investment/infrastructure development aspect, with a record of delivering within challenging time, quality and cost targets.
Familiarity with managing all phases of project delivery, and with the regulatory framework applying to the delivery of infrastructure projects, would be advantageous.
The ability to understand a technical narrative in unfamiliar disciplines with guidance from technical experts.
Demonstrated experience of delivering complex technical projects, preferably with a capital investment/infrastructure development aspect, with a record of delivering within challenging time, quality and cost targets.

If you think you have the right skill set for this role, please click Apply and submit your CV for review.

Apply

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