Aeronautics Senior Wind Tunnel Technician

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

The Department of Aeronautics is looking for a Senior Wind Tunnel Technician to provide practical engineering support for our wind tunnels supporting research and teaching activities. Our academics and researchers carry out wind tunnel projects focusing on experimental techniques that address challenging, fundamental problems in aeronautical, automotive and wind-engineering sectors and you will deliver technical services, engineering oversight, maintenance and support for the wind tunnels to fulfil this requirement.

What you would be doing:

You will contribute high-level practical engineering expertise to enable projects to be installed and function successfully in wind tunnels. This will include a high workshop machining competency from the use of advanced 3 and 4-axis CNC machines, 3D printers, rapid prototyping, milling, turning, drilling and bench work with the resulting output used in wind tunnel research and teaching. You will be involved in commercial, research and teaching projects associated with our wind tunnels ranging from design contribution to experiments through to model fitting and potentially running or testing advanced instrumentation and experiments, ensuring data is acquired satisfactorily. 

The ability for you to offer engineering design assistance based on verbal or written outline ideas including CAD would be desirable. You must be willing to receive training to develop competency on the range of specialised machines associated with the Aeronautics wind tunnel research environment.

What we are looking for:

• First degree in engineering, City & Guilds Certificate, HND or extensive relevant experience and suitable apprenticeship in workshop engineering.
• Demonstrable experience in the use of hand and machine tools and a range of more advanced computer based 3D printers and etchers, CNC and rapid prototype based machines.
• Considerable experience of working in an academic environment and managing projects and/or labs, students and other teams.
• Contribution to effective health and safety management, applying statutory regulations and undertaking risk and other assessments for laboratory processes.
• Effective project management skills so that incoming work meets milestones, deadlines and client expectations
• An understanding of digital systems and computing technology both relating to the control of high technology workshop machinery and to the practical application of instrumentation for wind tunnels.
• The role would suite someone with a keen interest in wind tunnels, aerodynamics and experimentation.

What we can offer you:

• The ability to apply your extensive workshop skills in solving practical mechanical challenges applied to Aeronautics.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 25 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Get access to a range of workplace benefits including on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

For further details please contact: Dr Nigel MacCarthy n.maccarthy@imperial.ac.uk

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

For technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

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