Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research in Oxford

Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the safe operation of a cutting-edge aerospace test facility focused on hydrogen systems.
  • Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford, renowned for its research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days' annual leave, generous pension schemes, and family-friendly policies.
  • Other info: Access to personal development opportunities and a vibrant community at the university.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace research while ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on technical experience in engineering or research/test facilities is essential.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Test Facility Manager.

Reporting to Professor Peter Ireland, you will take responsibility for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of a specialist aerospace research test facility, with a particular focus on hydrogen systems and associated experimental infrastructure.

This is a hands‑on technical and operational leadership role supporting cutting‑edge aerospace research.

The postholder will manage complex facility systems, coordinate maintenance and improvement activities, lead local technical staff, and play a key role in ensuring that hydrogen testing can be undertaken safely and effectively.

You will have a strong hands‑on technical background in the operation, maintenance or management of engineering, research/test facilities.

You will be comfortable taking responsibility for safety‑critical infrastructure and working collaboratively with a team of engineers, researchers and contractors.

Experience of hydrogen or aviation fuel facilities would be particularly valuable.

We also welcome candidates with transferable experience from sectors such as aerospace, energy, process engineering, gas systems, automotive testing, chemical engineering, industrial R&D, or other safety‑critical engineering environments.

What we offer At the University of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us.

We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges.

The other benefits include

  • Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
  • Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family‑friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options.

We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.

  • Sports - We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
  • Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
  • University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
  • Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
  • Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.
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Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters creativity and innovation in neuroscience. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in research.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research in Oxford

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with University of Oxford for a Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Test Facility Manager for Aerospace Research in Oxford

Safety Management
Technical Leadership
Operational Management
Hydrogen Systems Knowledge
Engineering Facility Management
Collaboration Skills
Maintenance Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at University of Oxford, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At University of Oxford, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with University of Oxford.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with University of Oxford. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like University of Oxford love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.