Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer in Bedford

Aircraft Research Association (ARA) Ltd is a unique engineering SME. We are a leading specialist in aerodynamic testing, model design and manufacture, as well as numerous associated technologies based around our transonic wind tunnel at our site in Bedford. ARA are now looking for a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer to come and join the team.

The Systems Engineering Team (SET) leads the engineering input to all test facilities and supporting systems around our Transonic Wind Tunnel. Role is 5 days a week on site in Bedford. This includes understanding, maintaining and improving existing plant, machinery and systems, alongside the definition and introduction of new capabilities as we continue our transformation and upgrade journey.

Within the SET, the purpose of the role of the Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer is as follows:

• To support the ongoing maintenance and operation of legacy plant, through definition of maintenance regimes (in collaboration with Plant Operations and Maintenance team), and investigation and troubleshooting of operational issues and breakdowns.
• To introduce new mechanical systems and technologies into the design of the facility and ensure their reliable and robust operation and maintainability in service.
• To develop design solutions and implement these through formally controlled processes for the full life cycle, including capture of requirements, design definition, completion of design reviews, justification of design choices, recording of design details, acting as “owners’ engineer” for procurement and installation phases, and active participation in commissioning and test, and technical acceptance of the solution.
• To ensure that all necessary technical documentation required to support the delivery, commissioning, acceptance, training and operation of the technical solution is produced and approved.

Whilst this role is largely aimed at the mechanical aspects of the site’s facilities and infrastructure, there may be a requirement to utilise existing skills in adjacent areas, such as civil/structural engineering, electrical engineering and electronics. The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer works across a wide variety of projects including those addressing plant and equipment repair, refurbishment and upgrade including component selection, process improvement, and new equipment, across a broad range of industrial plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment including: Rotating machinery and associated drive, hydraulic and pneumatic systems including air compressors, cooling systems and heat pumps plus water treatment plant.

Role and Responsibilities

• Understand the design intent of existing plant and machinery, their operating regimes and maintenance requirements including legacy equipment.
• Design and implement new mechanical engineering elements of plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment, ensuring documentation and engineering justifications are maintained appropriately in accordance with company processes.
• Understand and characterise existing plant, machinery and wind tunnel test equipment such that its integration with new equipment can be ensured.
• Review telemetry and data gathered from operational equipment to understand performance.
• Take engineering ownership of entire projects such as the refurbishment of significant plant assets, including conversations with suppliers about replacements when needed.
• Maintain and upgrade the mechanical and process engineering elements of legacy plant and equipment, taking a pragmatic approach to introducing new and effective fixes to old technical or safety problems.
• Perform analysis of the electrical aspects of systems.
• Observe all safety requirements around high-energy systems such as high-pressure air/hydraulics, high voltages and lasers.
• Record knowledge gained in company systems.
• Self-manage, plan own work and ensure key milestones are met.
• Work together with other team members of varied disciplines.

Person Specification

• Degree (Bachelors or Masters) qualified in Mechanical Engineering or closely related subject.
• 5 – 10 years’ industrial experience post degree in a similar role.
• Understanding of industrial machinery.
• Understanding of the application of formal design control and change procedures.
• Appreciation of the importance of continuous improvement.
• Experience or a working knowledge of mechanical design software, such as CATIA, or modelling languages such as Matlab etc. (other tools may be more appropriate).
• Experience with Control Systems or Electronics would be a bonus.
• Happy to take the lead in determining the best solutions to problems and then driving those solutions to completion.
• Happy to get involved with physical work and able and willing to work in parts of the site with difficult or limited access.

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.