Wind Tunnel Technician

Campus: South Kensington, London

Job Summary

You will support the day-to-day operations and development of departmental wind-tunnels and associated laboratories.  You will deliver your research focused technical knowledge to systems that include hardware, software and instrumentation applications. Also supervision, maintenance and general support of these systems for the Aeronautics wind tunnels and associated laboratories.  Other responsibilities will include provision of undergraduate laboratory experiments and providing effective upkeep and day-to-day management of highly sophisticated instrumentation used in wind tunnel experiments. You will have the ability to install, test, interrogate and run such systems where required. In addition, you will offer guidance, teaching and training to staff and students and maintaining day to day health and safety requirements. 

The Department is very active in a range of research aimed at developing and applying theoretical, computational and experimental techniques to address the most challenging, fundamental problems in aeronautical, automotive and wind-engineering technology.  The Department has made significant investment in new wind tunnels and associated instrumentation and your role will be essential in running, developing, improving and maximising these systems.

You should have a first degree in engineering or an HNC/HND in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or similar discipline and have experience of working in a R&D environment.  Candidates with previous experience of wind-tunnels and applied instrumentation, especially in the university or industry sectors would be especially welcome.

Duties and responsibilities 

Duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Provide effective support for the departmental wind tunnels and associated hardware, software, instrumentation and operations.
• Responsible for providing effective support, assistance and training to staff and students, and expanding the activities in world leading wind tunnel research facilities.
• Working closely with the colleagues to plan, assemble, prepare and run undergraduate labs, student projects and research activities relating to Aeronautics wind tunnels and associated laboratories.
• Working together with academic and research staff to devise, setup and implement experimental research and commercial projects
• Take custodianship of sophisticated high-value instrumentation ensuring said systems are tested, working, maintained and properly booked and accounted for, to relevant researchers and to be able to install/setup and test such equipment in preparation for testing. This may include collecting and analysing data to ensure correct operation including checking data from wind tunnel systems.
• In conjunction with the Departmental Safety Officer, provide a key role in Health and Safety and safe practices associated with the wind tunnels and work passing through them.
• Possess sound knowledge of electronic instrumentation and be conversant with software programming to achieve tasks such as hardware control automation and data analysis.
• Liaise with wind tunnel users and interpret their engineering instructions to so that, for example, model makers and colleagues may be directed effectively in model preparation and/or mounting.
• Have an established knowledge and/or show aptitude in learning how to use CAD packages for the development of models for 3D printing, or detailed engineering drawings for workshop fabrication.
• To be proactive in keeping up-to-date with developments in equipment and techniques relevant to the field of wind tunnel research and testing and to manage and maintain wind tunnel tools, equipment and machines.
• Lead the promotion of a safe working environment by pursuing a highly-organised, efficient, clean working place.

Other generic responsibilities at Imperial College London include

            to observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking; and

            to undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).

Essential requirements

The post-holder should have a first degree in engineering or an HNC/HND in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering or similar discipline and have experience of working in a R&D environment.  Those candidates with previous experience of aerodynamics, wind-tunnels and/or applied instrumentation, especially in the university or industry sectors would be especially welcome.

Further information:

Informal enquiries regarding the position can be made to Dr Nigel MacCarthy (n.maccarthy@imperial.ac.uk)

Should you have any queries relating to the recruitment process please contact: Lisa Kelly: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying online, please contact: recruitment@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 23^rd July 2024

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