Wind Tunnel Technician

SR2 Clean Energy; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace R&D centre in Bedford is seeking a Wind Tunnel Technician to operate and prepare their transonic wind tunnel. This hands-on role involves model assembly, testing facilitation, and recommending improvements. Candidates should have a strong technical background, ideally an HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering, and flexibility for shift work. The position offers a permanent contract along with a competitive benefits package, including private health insurance and training opportunities.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced time-served technician in aerospace environments.
• Flexibility for shift working on a rotating basis.
• Satisfy security clearance requirements with 5 years UK residency.

Responsibilities

• Operate the main transonic wind tunnel and associated equipment.
• Prepare and assemble models for testing adhering to quality standards.
• Assist with calibration and instrumentation during tests.
• Make recommendations for design and hardware improvements.

Skills

Hands-on operation of transonic wind tunnel

Model assembly and preparation

Calibration and troubleshooting

Continuous improvement recommendations

Precision assembly

Education

HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Wind Tunnel Technician | Engineering | Bedford | £40k

Are you an experienced, highly committed Time-Served Technician ready for a hands‑on role operating and facilitating one of the UK’s primary aerodynamic test facilities? This is your chance to join a leading aerospace R&D centre, where you will be instrumental in the operation and preparation of their transonic wind tunnel.

Working as part of a dynamic operational team, you will ensure projects are delivered efficiently and safely, meeting challenging customer requirements.

As a Wind Tunnel Technician, you will:

• Operate Main Facilities: Take a hands‑on role in the operation of the main transonic wind tunnel (TWT) and its associated equipment, including compressors and control systems.
• Model Assembly & Preparation: Be involved in the precise preparation and assembly of models and rigs for testing, working to defined quality standards.
• Facilitate Testing: Assist with equipment and instrumentation calibration, set‑up of specialized measurement systems, and troubleshooting during test execution.
• Drive Improvement: Make recommendations for design, process, or hardware modifications to support continuous improvement within test execution.

What We’re Looking For:

• Technical Background: Experienced time‑served technician, preferably educated to HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering level or equivalent.
• Precision Expertise: Proven experience working on small precision assemblies and exposed to R&D or commercial environments.
• Commitment & Clearance: Must be flexible for shift working (on a rotating weekly basis) and able to satisfy security clearance requirements (5 years continual UK residency).

If you are a driven team player with an excellent attention to detail, capable of meeting challenging deadlines, and have an appreciation for disciplines like hydraulics, pneumatics, or control systems, then we want to hear from you.

This is a permanent opportunity based in Bedford. They offer a great benefits package, including private health insurance and training opportunities to complement required specialist skills. If you are ready for a challenge, want to make a tangible impact and grow your career, apply now.