Graduate Engineer in Experimental Hypersonics

A hands-on graduate engineering research role focused on designing, building, and operating a hypersonic plasma wind tunnel facility for aerospace testing and experimental high-speed flow research.

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.

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 sector.  

• 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.