Graduate Engineer in Experimental Hypersonics

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Graduate Engineer to join the Oxford Hypersonics Group within the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 24 months, based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in Osney Mead.

You will play a central role in the design, development, implementation and commissioning of a new plasma wind tunnel ground testing facility forming part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF). The facility will utilise a 400-kW segmented arc-jet heater to generate continuous, high-pressure, high-enthalpy flows for fundamental research and applied industrial testing of high-speed aerospace systems.

The role includes detailed engineering design of major facility components such as nozzles, probes, test sections and sample holders. You will work closely with academics, operational staff, specialist contractors and workshop teams to oversee manufacture, assembly, installation and commissioning. Following installation, you will support initial flow characterisation and post-processing of measurement data, while gaining operational experience on the existing OPG plasma facility.

In addition, you will contribute to the operation, maintenance and further development of Oxford’s hypersonic wind tunnels, including the T6 Stalker Tunnel and the High-Density Tunnel. Responsibilities include supporting experiment planning and configuration, troubleshooting during test campaigns, calibration and maintenance of instrumentation, maintaining technical documentation, and contributing to upgrades and system enhancements.

Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad technical skillset across design, facility operation, experimental methods and project coordination.

About you

You will hold a relevant undergraduate engineering degree (MEng or BEng in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related discipline) and have practical experience in experimental engineering environments.

You should have experience in the design and analysis of engineering components and systems, ideally within high-speed or high-enthalpy flow facilities or similar complex experimental environments. You will demonstrate strong technical problem-solving skills, the ability to plan and manage substantial engineering projects to agreed milestones, and confidence in working collaboratively with contractors, workshop teams and academic researchers.

You will be organised, proactive and capable of managing your own workload within a busy operational research facility. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce technical reports and represent the group in technical discussions with sponsors and collaborators.

How to apply

The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 24 months.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 01 May 2026

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Matthew McGilvray or Associate Professor Tobias Hermann: matthew.mcgilvray@eng.ox.ac.uk, tobias.hermann@eng.ox.ac.uk,

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.

Advert information