DESIGN ENGINEER
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.
We are looking to recruit an experienced and ambitious Design Engineer to complement our established Design and Manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Design Team Leader, the successful candidate must have a sound knowledge of part and assembly design, structural analysis and modern manufacturing techniques. They will be a self-starter, organised, able to prioritise and used to working under pressure. The applicant should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work individually and as part of a team.
Salary range: £30,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
Typical hours: Full time, 38 hours per week
This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:
- Create design schemes and proposals to meet customer requirements.
- Produce 3D CAD models of parts and assemblies using CATIA V5.
- Prepare design documentation and provide technical leadership for internal/external design reviews.
- Produce engineering drawings, including relevant use of GD&T, for wind tunnel models in line with relevant standards, to support the manufacturing process.
- Carry out static stress calculations using hand methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure designs are safe and compliant to ARA wind tunnel standards.
- Liaise with production engineers to assist specification of manufacturing processes.
- Assist Manufacturing/Inspection/Fitting departments to resolve design issues.
- Liaise with test and rigging teams to ensure methods of best practise are applied and to facilitate efficient use of time in the transonic wind tunnel.
- Support project delivery plans and complete design tasks on time, to cost and project specific quality standards.
What we would like to see:
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including mechanical design, stress analysis and engineering drawings.
- Be capable of applying problem-solving techniques in a logical, competent and timely manner.
- Have a natural creativity and curiosity for mechanical design.
- Competent with CATIA V5
- Competent with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Be a confident, self-motivated individual committed to ensuring that customer satisfaction is achieved in line with company strategy.
The successful candidate will have a qualification in Mechanical Engineering or technical discipline (degree preferred). There are excellent opportunities for career development.
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, shift and overtime premium, where applicable; pension scheme; free parking; shares incentive plan; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing 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.
