Senior Project Engineer in Experimental Hypersonics Full-time

Senior Project Engineer in Experimental Hypersonics

Department of Engineering Science, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES

About the role

We are seeking a talented and driven Senior Project Engineer to join the Oxford Hypersonics Group within the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 24 months, based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in Osney Mead. You will lead the design and development of a new plasma wind tunnel facility forming part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF). This continuous, high-pressure, high-enthalpy facility will utilize a 400-kW segmented arc-jet heater and will support a broad spectrum of aerospace research, from fundamental hypersonic flow physics to applied industrial testing.

The role includes responsibility for the overall design, implementation and commissioning of the facility and its sub-systems. You will lead the detailed design of major components including bespoke nozzles, probes and test configurations, drawing on your expertise in high-temperature gas dynamics and experimental ground testing. You will supervise a Graduate Engineer, coordinate external contractors and specialist consultants, manage laboratory safety implementation, and ensure delivery of the programme to agreed technical objectives, budget and timeline.

Once operational, you will oversee initial flow characterization and data analysis, contribute to the implementation of advanced experimental techniques, and support experiments across Oxford's hypersonic wind tunnel facilities. You will also provide technical leadership within the group, contribute to sponsor reporting and external briefings, and support the wider research ambitions of the Oxford Hypersonics Group.

In addition to the core facility development programme, you will have scope to pursue complementary research activities, contribute to publications and funding proposals, and engage in collaborative projects within the UK and internationally.

About you

You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion, having submitted your thesis) in aerospace engineering or a closely related discipline, together with strong experience in high-speed or high-enthalpy experimental facilities.

You should have a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in hypersonic ground testing, high-temperature gas dynamics, and experimental design. You will have experience planning and managing substantial engineering or research projects, including budget oversight and milestone delivery, and confidence supervising junior engineers or researchers.

You will bring excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design complex experimental systems and interpret high-quality measurement data. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce technical and sponsor reports, contribute to funding proposals, present research at conferences, and represent the group in technical briefings with stakeholders.

Experience leading a discrete area of a research programme, managing budgets, or supervising staff would be advantageous.

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.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.

The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 24 months. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 01 May 2026.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Matthew McGilvray or Associate Professor Tobias Hermann: matthew.mcgilvray@eng.ox.ac.uk, tobias.hermann@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.