LabVIEW Developer
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.
Aircraft Research Association (ARA), the UK’s leading independent transonic wind tunnel, is looking to recruit a LabVIEW Developer to join their Systems Engineering Team. This team leads the engineering development of all test facilities, test rigs and supporting systems. This includes understanding, maintaining and improving existing plant, machinery and systems, alongside the definition and introduction of new capabilities.
We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual who can be an integral part in the development of world leading capabilities and be responsible for the development of the LabVIEW software with a focus on improving productivity and addressing obsolescence associated with legacy software and equipment.
The role will provide opportunities to work alongside other highly skilled engineering teams who design and manufacture wind tunnel models, conduct the wind tunnel tests, and maintain other aspects of the facilities and capabilities.
Salary range: £30,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
Grade: 4B
Typical hours: Full time, 38 hours per week
This is an varied role but requires the ability to focus to deliver short term projects; the below are a sample of the activities the successful candidate will get the chance to get involved in:
- Produce designs and create functional software applications and embedded code that interfaces to hardware such as sensors and actuators.
- Design and create intuitive graphical user interfaces.
- Bring existing software up to a standard version of LabVIEW, resolving known bugs, and refactoring where necessary to ensure that software is maintainable and efficient going forward.
- Evaluate existing hardware platforms such as Compact RIO, PXI Chassis, and Windows PCs, making a case for upgrading where necessary to enhance maintainability and address obsolescence.
- Preserve the maintainability of our distributed system by ensuring that work undertaken on each system respects system boundaries, has high cohesion, low coupling and strong encapsulation to maintain system modularity and fault tolerance.
- Collaborate on projects producing modules of code as defined by software architectures.
- Produce software documentation including test plans, user documentation and manuals.
- Define and carry out test plans to commission new capabilities, and regression test upgraded systems.
- Support operations by providing technical support and troubleshooting to maximise availability of systems.
- Closely cooperate with the Infrastructure Project Manager(s) and Technical Author and participate fully in the generation of project plans and monitoring of their progress, and of associated documentation.
What we would like to see:
- An honours degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, or a related degree such as Electronics Engineering with demonstrable industrial experience using LabVIEW.
- At least 2 years of relevant industrial experience using LabVIEW, developing LabVIEW software for standalone and/or distributed system consisting of Compact RIOs, PXI, and PCs.
- To produce applications that interface to sensors and actuators for acquiring signals, storing and displaying data, controlling and monitoring plant, rigs or equipment.
- Methodical troubleshooting and debugging skills, with a passion for problem solving and investigation.
- A thorough understanding of the factors affecting software performance, and the ability to design, write and document code that is maintainable, extensible, reliable, and efficient.
- Familiarity with application of change management and approval, version control, testing processes, and coding standards.
This is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company, working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; flexible working options (normal hours are 08.00hrs to 16.21hrs); free parking; 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.
