Hypersonics Wind Tunnel Engineer
Salary
£34,982 - £40,855 per annum
Closing date
Aug 13, 2025 12:00PM
Description
About the roleWe are seeking a motivated, hands-on individual to join our small, dynamic team delivering test capability within the Oxford Hypersonics Group. This role offers the opportunity to develop your skills and apply your experience across a broad range of technical activities supporting fundamental scientific testing for high-speed aerospace vehicle applications. From engineering design to the assembly, maintenance, and operation of test facilities, you’ll take on a diverse set of responsibilities and play a key role in our ongoing work.
The successful applicant will carry out both design tasks and tunnel operation duties for the high-speed wind tunnels based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute: the T6 Stalker Tunnel and the High-Density Tunnel. These facilities, which form part of the National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF), are subject to a busy schedule covering a spectrum of aerospace testing, from fundamental research to applied industrial work.
About you
The applicant should possess a relevant first degree, technical qualification, or equivalent industrial experience. They should have experience undertaking mechanical engineering design tasks, including proficiency with CAD and/or FEA tools. Practical, hands-on experience in an engineering environment or through a technical project is essential. The applicant should be capable of clearly presenting technical information through design reports, summary documents, and technical drawings. Excellent communication skills are required, both within technical teams and when engaging with contractors and suppliers. Experience with temperature and pressure instrumentation in scientific or production settings is desirable. The ability to manage day-to-day tasks independently under the guidance of an operations manager and to prioritise effectively is important. The applicant should also demonstrate an aptitude for following operating procedures and technical instructions, along with a careful and methodical approach to their work.
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, and names of two academic references.
The position is open ended.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 13 August 2025
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Chris Hambidge: chris.hambidge@eng.ox.ac.uk
Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home
The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.
Contact name
Chris Hambidge
Contact email
chris.hambidge@eng.ox.ac.uk
The job description is available via the Apply Now button