Senior Technical Engineer (Fixed Term)

The University is in the final stages of building a new national research facility, the National Centre for Propulsion and Power (NCPP), which will be co-located alongside the Bennet Innovation Lab at the heart of the new Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge. We are seeking a Senior Technical Engineer to serve as Chief Engineer of the NCPP. The postholder will lead the final stages of the installation and commissioning of the new test facilities. The role holder will report to and support the NCPP Director/Academic Lead in delivering world-leading capabilities for flexible, fast-turnaround aerothermal testing at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) that lie in the so-called "valley of death" between traditional university research and traditional high-TRL test centres.

Initially, the role will lead the final installation stages and the commissioning of the facility equipment. This will include liaising with the civil engineering contractors responsible for the design and development of the NCPP building and services to ensure the final installation is suitable for the Department's future research needs.  As the new building becomes operational, you will manage the facility and ensure that the engineering team and workshops support the effective delivery of aerothermal testing and research throughout the various stages of each project from inception to completion.

Additionally, you will be expected to help market and promote the new facility, its outputs and capabilities, with the aim of attracting external users to use the spaces and equipment. There may also be the opportunity for you to work on research projects taking place within the new facility.

The role holder will help the team maintain the highest standards of operation, including documentation and communication standards, document control and record-keeping, as well as encouraging and supporting the highest standards of execution across all aspects of NCPP activity.

You will hold a first degree or Master's degree in engineering, science or other relevant discipline. A PhD in a relevant subject is desirable. You will have specialist knowledge and experience of: mechanical and thermal design for aerothermal testing; instrumentation for aerothermal testing; instrumentation and control of industrial process plant; compressor plant; specialist rotating plant health monitoring; functional safety; HAZOP analysis; pressure system regulations and piping standards. You will have experience of working in a fast-paced R&D environment. In addition to excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to write reports for research and consultancy projects is required.  In addition to this, experience of managing technical staff, managing and interfacing with external contractors and managing the tender and procurement process of specialist equipment is desirable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you include both a CV and covering letter within your application which should detail how you feel you meet the criteria in the person specification.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 26 April 2026. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering (hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 332615).

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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