Wind Tunnel Technician / Test Engineer in Bedford

Are you a hands-on Mechanical or Test Engineer who enjoys working with complex machinery, specialist equipment and test systems? We are recruiting on behalf of a highly specialised engineering organisation in Bedford, working at the forefront of aerodynamic research, testing and advanced engineering. This is far from a standard maintenance or production engineering position. You’ll work within an impressive transonic wind tunnel facility, helping prepare, operate and develop sophisticated equipment used for technically challenging aerodynamic testing. Previous wind tunnel experience is not essential. We’re particularly interested in engineers with strong transferable experience involving test rigs, complex mechanical equipment, instrumentation, hydraulics, pneumatics or engineering test facilities. What will you be doing? You’ll work as part of a highly skilled engineering team responsible for preparing and operating specialist test facilities. Day to day, this will include: * Preparing and assembling models and test rigs * Setting up specialist measurement and monitoring equipment * Operating complex engineering test facilities * Maintaining, calibrating and carrying out quality checks on specialist equipment * Mechanical assembly and preparation ahead of testing * Troubleshooting mechanical and test equipment issues * Working with instrumentation, control systems and associated equipment * Supporting specialist optical measurement systems * Carrying out maintenance on rigs and test equipment * Identifying opportunities to improve equipment, processes and testing methods * Supporting the continued development of test facilities and equipment What are we looking for? We’re interested in hearing from Test Engineers, Test Technicians, Mechanical Technicians, Development Engineers, R&D Technicians, Engineering Technicians or engineers from similar hands-on backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll bring: * A solid practical mechanical engineering background * Experience operating, maintaining or fault-finding complex machinery or specialist equipment * Knowledge of instrumentation and measurement systems * Experience with hydraulics and/or pneumatics * An appreciation of control systems * Strong practical problem-solving and fault-finding skills * Experience within testing, R&D, aerospace, defence, automotive, motorsport or another technically demanding engineering environment would be advantageous * HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience * A flexible, team-focused approach and excellent attention to detail You don’t need previous wind tunnel experience — full training on the specialist facilities will be provided. What’s on offer? £35,000–£40,000 depending on experience, alongside: * 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays * Company pension with matched contributions up to 7% * Private medical insurance * Life assurance at 3x basic salary * Enhanced company sick pay * Share incentive scheme * Ongoing specialist training and development This is a genuinely unusual opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to move away from a standard factory environment and work with specialist, large-scale engineering test technology. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and flexibility for rotating shift work may be required. Security clearance requirements apply to this position. Interested? Apply today or contact Proactive Global for a confidential conversation