Icing at Altitude Wind Tunnel Engineer

Location: Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Project Engineer to join the Oxford Particles Research Group at the Department of Engineering Science (based at the Osney Thermofluids Institute). The position is fixed term for 18 months with funding provided by EPSRC through the NWTF+ programme. 

You will share responsibilities for the design, procurement and installation of a major multi-million-pound test facility to simulating Ice Crystal Icing at Altitude. This will include oversight of an extension to the existing laboratory; procurement of new vacuum pumps, air heaters and chillers; design of pipework layouts and trace heating systems; communication and management of external contractors, development of an advanced test section and instrumentation for the test facility. You will work closely with the existing Oxford Particles Research Group members including project engineers, academics, students and technicians. 

About you

You should possess a university master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar discipline (with the possibility to underfill at Grade 6. if candidate has less experience and qualifications). You should also have experience in mechanical design, heat transfer principles and detailed engineering design and possess knowledge of design practices, e.g. pressure safety regulations.    

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include: 

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education.  
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, & names of two academic references.

The position is a fixed term post available for 18 months. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 15 August 2025. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Associate Professor David Gillespie: david.gillespie@eng.ox.ac.uk  

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

The University of Oxford is committed to equality & valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering & Technology.

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