Workshop Research Technician

You will be based in the Aeronautics Workshop and High-Speed Flows Laboratory and participate in design and construction of specialist instruments for research experiments. Under the direction of the Lab Supervisor, you will work with academics and students to produce designs, from advising on initial concept and methodology through to completion.  This will include supervision, installation and maintenance of equipment in the high pressure/high velocity labs and wind tunnels.

You will contribute to teaching and training from CNC and rapid prototyping to milling, turning, drilling and bench work. The role will also involve ensuring labs and working areas are safe and advising on best practice. You will be directly involved in delivering commercial and research projects in supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels, contributing to the design of experiments and equipment, running and supporting wind tunnel experimental campaigns.

Ideally you will be an advanced user of advanced CNC machines such as a 4-axis Mazak, 3-axis XYZ CNC mill and XYZ CNC lathe as well as manual workshop machines. Skills in software, data acquisition, electronics or high-pressure systems would be a distinct advantage. The ability to offer engineering assistance based on rough outline ideas would be desirable. You must be willing to receive training developing competency on relevant machines within the Aeronautics High Speed Flows research environment.

Duties and responsibilities include the following:

• To work as a team providing machine tool skills using workshop machines and equipment including rapid prototyping and CNC machining.
• To be capable of deputising for the High Speed Flows lab manager and lead activities enabling smooth ongoing running of the facilities.
• To competently use traditional engineering workshop machines and tools, including working with a wide range of materials.
• To work from drawings, sketches and verbal instructions to develop experiments.
• Consult with, advise and provide direction for all relevant staff and students to develop research requirements and objectives, advising on both project design and production feasibility.
• To interpret and produce drawings in a CAD format.
• Provide key technical support and supervision of our High Speed Flows Laboratory and specifically, the day-to-day operation of the Mach 9 Gun Tunnel and new Supersonic tunnel after appropriate training.
• To maintain, repair, modify and develop equipment and to identify maintenance required without direction.
• To contribute to effective health and safety management, applying statutory regulations and undertaking risk and other assessments for laboratory processes.
• To continue to develop own engineering skills sufficient and consistent with the needs of the Aeronautics department.
• Any other relevant duties as requested by the Lab Supervisor.

Applicants should have achieved the following:

• Degree or HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• NVQ to level 3 in a relevant accredited workplace or satisfactory completion of a recognised apprenticeship programme or similar in engineering including working in an engineering workshop as part of an approved training scheme.

Further information:

Informal enquiries regarding the position can be made to Dr Nigel MacCarthy ([email protected])

Should you have any queries relating to the recruitment process please contact: Lisa Kelly: [email protected]

For technical issues when applying online, please contact: [email protected]