Instrumentation Engineer (Wind Tunnel)
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 seeking to recruit an Instrumentation Engineer whose primary function will be to manufacture and install instrumentation associated with models and testing in ARA’s 9’x8’ transonic wind tunnel and other facilities. This will include but is not limited to; equipment calibration, the set-up of specialised measurement/monitoring equipment, model assembly and integration for test, troubleshooting and assisting in the operation of facilities.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the drive and commitment necessary for ensuring that work is completed in line with challenging schedule requirements whilst maintaining a clean, safe working environment. To succeed in this position, you must be flexible in your approach to working hours, which will require shift working, and able to respond quickly to a changing workload.
Working hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, shift work (typical hours are 07.00 – 15:00 and 14.00 – 22:00 on a rotating weekly basis)
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
Main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Manufacture of bespoke wiring looms and assemblies with reference to circuit drawings / wiring lists.
- Hand soldering of fine components at the work-bench and on wind-tunnel models.
- Miniature strain-gauge installation and wiring.
- Calibration, maintenance, testing and fault-finding of sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition systems down to component level.
- Specify required instrumentation from customer specification.
- Support the design and integration of instrumentation into customer models and rigs.
- Work as part of a team, involved in the preparation and assembly of models and rigs for testing to defined quality standards, giving consideration to schedule and costs;
- Provide instrumentation support for projects in all of ARA’s test facilities.
- Assist in the operation of ARA’s main transonic wind tunnel and other aerodynamic test facilities.
- Maintenance of the instrumentation hardware and records.
- Preparation and installation of specialist optical measurement systems in test facilities;
- Making recommendations for design, process or hardware modifications to support continuous improvement within the department.
- General departmental duties such as record maintenance, model storage, organization of equipment, rig maintenance,
- Perform tasks with conformance to ARA’s Health & Safety Policy and Quality Standards.
- Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights.
- Flexible approach to shift working patterns & overtime as required.
- Undertaking training, where necessary, in support of the above duties, to ensure that safe working practices are observed
Training will be given in all of the specialist activities associated with this position.
The successful candidate will be an experienced time served technician, preferably educated to HNC/HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering level (or equivalent) with experience of working in an R&D and/or commercial environment.
This is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; free parking; optional participation in the BAE shares scheme; 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.
