ARA is a unique SME representing some of the best engineering of our time. With a strong and rich heritage, we are proud to have a passionate workforce of highly skilled engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing and numerous associated technologies, eg Computational Fluid Dynamics). We are actively involved in research, providing meaningful and innovative solutions and services to our global customer base.
Our site in Bedford is centred around our impressive transonic wind tunnel – the equipment which drives it – whilst the research performed is often unique to ARA and involves many bespoke processes.
We are seeking to recruit an Instrumentation Engineer whose primary function will be to work within a multi-skilled team to assemble, deploy and maintain the instrumentation hardware required to acquire data from the on-site 9’x8’ Transonic Wind Tunnel and other test facilities. You will also be expected to minimize the facility downtime by providing on-site instrumentation support on a rotating shift system.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the drive and commitment necessary for ensuring that work is completed in line with challenging schedule requirements whilst maintaining a clean, safe working environment. To succeed in this position, you must be flexible in your approach to working hours, which will require shift working, and able to respond quickly to a changing workload.
Typical hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, shift work (typical hours are 0700hrs – 1500hrs and 1400hrs – 2200hrs on a rotating weekly basis)
Salary range: £35,000 - £40,000 (depending on experience), Grade: 6
Key duties and responsibilities:
· Manufacture of instrumentation assemblies and cables using hand-soldered joints on miniature conductors (typically 28AWG) in accordance with supplied specification
· Low voltage electrical testing (not Automatic Test Equipment), fault-finding and repair of cables, assemblies and sensors (planned and reactive maintenance)
· Installation of instrumentation in wind-tunnel models and support systems in accordance with supervisory instructions
· Connection of wind-tunnel model instrumentation to facility data-acquisition system in accordance with test requirements
· Create and maintain work records as appropriate and to promote seamless shift hand-over
· Work in both laboratory and industrial environments (Working at heights and in confined spaces)
· Be responsible for providing on-site instrumentation support on a rotating shift system
· Assist in the operation of the company’s main transonic wind tunnel and other aerodynamic test facilities.
· General departmental duties such as record maintenance, model storage, organization of equipment, rig maintenance,
· Perform tasks with conformance to ARA’s Health & Safety Policy and Quality Standards.
· Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights.
We are looking for someone with:
· Time- served electronics technician or equivalent working experience
· Basic electronic theory
· Experience of working with any of the following would be advantageous:
o Strain gauges/load cells
o Thermocouples/Platinum Resistance Thermometers
o Pressure Transducers/Electronic Pressure Scanners
o Multi-channel data-acquisition systems
· Ability to interpret wiring lists and schematics
· Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel
· Obtain and maintain UK Government Security Clearance
· Dexterous with attention to detail in quality of work produced
· Flexible in approach to working hours including shift working
· Mobility & fitness to be able to allow safe entry, working and egress in those areas of the test facilities which have restricted physical access and necessitate working at heights and in confined spaces.
· Self-motivated team member willing to inspire others
· Training will be given in all of the specialist activities associated with this position.
This is an is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; free parking; share incentive plan; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with length of service after 5 years’ service).