Mechanical Technician for Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

We are seeking a full-time Mechanical Technician to join the Hypersonics Research Group at the Department of Engineering Science (Oxford Thermofluids Institute). The post is permanent.

 

The successful applicant will become the primary technician for the high-speed wind tunnels based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute: the T6 Stalker Tunnel and the High Density Tunnel. These facilities, which form part of the National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF), are subject to a busy schedule covering a spectrum of aerospace testing, from fundamental research to applied industrial work. The successful applicant will work closely with researchers from our own research group (undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers) and external clients (both academic and industrial) to action engineering solutions to technical challenges, operate the tunnels, and ultimately support the production of high quality experimental data.

 

The role provides the opportunity to contribute to aerospace research from engineering concept to experiment delivery, through three overlapping areas of responsibility:

The Tunnel Technician will join a vibrant team that manage, operate, and use the wind tunnels within a large research group (around 25-30 students and academic staff). They will work closely with the Hypersonic Operations Manager, who oversees the planning and undertaking of all experiments and tunnel modifications, as well as the Tunnel Operator, who carries out the tests and provides general engineering support. There are also tunnel assistants to support the day-to-day running of the facilities. The successful candidate will work alongside the on-site Mechanical workshop team to both undertake and co-ordinate machining jobs.

 

The technician appointed to this post should already have a well-developed set of skills in a broad range of machining and workshop activities. They should have used a wide range of machining equipment with several years of experience. There are also a range of skills which would be advantageous (but not essential) to bring to the role such as experience with CNC milling, welding, rig-based installation work, or alteration of pressure systems. The technician appointed to this post must be willing to learn these and other new skills to provide technical support for activities as they continue to evolve. Where appropriate, suitable training will be provided to fulfil the role.

 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mr Christopher Hambidge (chris.hambidge@eng.ox.ac.uk)

 

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/.

 

Only applications received before midday on the 6th September 2024 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter, a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

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