Mechanical Technician
Salary £ 30,000-35,000
Bedford
Vacancy listed 16/07/2026
Application deadline 30/09/2026
Details
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, e.g. 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 looking to recruit an experienced and motivated Mechanical Technician to work as part of the integrated Engineering Services Team, reporting to the Team Leader and responsible for carrying out planned and reactive maintenance to the facility including installation and modification of the facility.  

Salary Range: £30,000 – £35,000 (plus shift premium and depending on experience)
Typical working hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, shift work (typical hours are 06:30 – 14.30 and 14.00 – 22:00 on a rotating basis)

 Key responsibilities
  • Carry out inspections, maintenance and repairs of the equipment involved with tunnel testing and mechanical services (planned maintenance).
  • Responsible for the repair of plant and equipment during breakdown including fault-finding in accordance with supervisory instructions (reactive maintenance).
  • Be responsible for the installation of new plant and equipment in accordance with supervisory instructions and share ideas on design and implementation improvements, as appropriate.
  • Compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental procedures providing appropriate input into the preparation of and adherence to risk assessments and method statements.
  • Compliance with site security procedures
  • Member of Emergency Response team
 

What do we need from you?

  • Mechanical Apprenticeship and/or significant demonstrated experience of installing, maintaining, repairing and inspecting industrial plant equipment and systems, such as
    • High Pressure compressed air systems 
    • Water cooling & treatment systems. 
    • Plant lubrication and hydraulic systems. 
    • Mechanical machinery and infrastructure, including rotating/reciprocating components (gears, chains, linkages and actuating rods).
  • Team player, capable of coaching and mentoring less experienced employees as well as supervision of apprentices as required
  • Flexible and positive attitude, willing to go that extra mile to meet deadlines/schedules
  • Attention to detail in terms of quality of work
  • Drive and commitment to improve own skills and be receptive to new ideas and ways of working
  • Self-motivated with good communication and can-do attitude to overcome issues that arise
 

Please note that we operate a preferred supplier list for recruitment agencies. We are not seeking additional agency support for this vacancy and kindly ask that speculative approaches are not made.

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency.

Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
 


Benefits

Annual leave – 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum
Contributory pension scheme whereby the company matches up to a 7% contribution
Private medical insurance
Life cover of 3 x basic annual salary
Enhanced company sick pay
BAE shares as part of the BAE share incentive plan (SIP)

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