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.

 

 

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