Hypersonics Wind Tunnel Operator

We are seeking a full-time Hypersonics Wind Tunnel Operator to join the
Hypersonics research group at the Department of Engineering Science Osney. The
post is funded by a Research Facility and is Open Ended





The successful applicant will become the primary operator 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.





The tunnels themselves are medium-scale hypersonic facilities utilising high-
pressure pneumatic systems to generate impulses of highly supersonic flow (up
to 19.9km/s). The resulting test environments are analogous to that
experienced by spacecraft, planetary probes or spaceplanes, which may be
applied to scale models, to study heating and aerodynamic problems.





The successful applicant will join the technical team that manage, operate,
and use the wind tunnels within a large research group (around 25-30 students
and academic staff). They will work closely with the Hypersonics Operations
Manager, who oversees the planning and undertaking of all experiments and
tunnel modifications; as well as the Tunnel Engineer, who carries out
technical design work and assists in the running of the facilities. There are
also tunnel assistants to support the day-to-day activities of the lab. The
successful candidate will work alongside the on-site Mechanical workshop and
facilities teams, as well as external suppliers and contractors to co-ordinate
tunnel related jobs.





In this role, the Tunnel Operator is responsible for carrying out preparation,
configuration and operation of the wind tunnels and associated test equipment.
They will provide their experience and expertise to guide experimenters during
planning and help with troubleshooting on-test. They will also conduct
maintenance and calibration tasks, in addition to supporting the development
of the test facilities with new hardware or modifications. Additionally, the
Tunnel Operator will oversee the day-to-day use of the laboratory, to help
ensure a safe, tidy, well organised, and well stocked working environment.





We are a small team, so there is flexibility to tailor the role and provide
training to a candidate who may have a variety of additional transferable
skills. For example, operating other engineering facilities or industrial
plant processes, as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This is reflected in
the wide range of ‘desirable’ (i.e. optional) selection criteria.





We look forward to your application, and request that your cover letter
includes a brief outline of how you can demonstrate that you fulfil each of
essential criteria. If you meet one or more of the desirable criteria, please
highlight these too.





_Please also see the linked job advert for Hypersonics Wind Tunnel Engineer
for a related employment opportunity._





Informal enquiries may be addressed to chris.hambidge@eng.ox.ac.uk





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





Only online applications received before midday on 7th October 2024 can be
considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting
statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online
application.





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



Keywords: Hypersonics, Engineer, Wind Tunnel, CAD, Mechanical Design