Airborne Engineering (AEL) is a small company specialising in rocket engine testing for the commercial space sector. We are proud to operate one of the only commercial rocket engine test facilities in Europe, where our constantly expanding capabilities and customer base enables us to take on a wide variety of interesting and exciting projects at the cutting edge of aerospace research.
At our Westcott facility near Aylesbury and Bicester we have two state-of-the-art rocket test cells, with a variety of infrastructure including propellant supply systems and instrumentation, supported by our on-site mechanical workshop and offices. We take pride in achieving a high technical output from our small team of engineers, technicians and support staff, whilst maintaining a flexible and relaxed working environment and providing opportunities for learning and creative thinking.
Our mechanical team is responsible for designing rocket engine hardware and their propellant feed systems and test facilities. This may be for internal R&D projects, custom test-rigs or rocket-propelled vehicles. Projects are varied and often multi-disciplinary, involving the interaction of fluids with mechanical, electrical and control systems.
Recent project examples include:
We are looking for a graduate engineer to join our mechanical design team. You will be responsible for designing and testing hardware for rocket engines, propellant feed systems and rocket-propelled vehicles. This will include: performing calculations; specifying off-the-shelf components; designing custom hardware in CAD; and the assembly and testing of complex components/systems. As part of a small team you will need to be self-motivated, multi-skilled and flexible to meet the current demands of projects. There is also opportunity to be involved in our simulation, modelling, electronics, and software development, depending on your skills and interests. You may also be required to assist with conducting test operations.
The ideal candidate will therefore be comfortable with mechanical design, hands-on assembly and testing, and will be interested in the wider field of engineering. Candidates will need to demonstrate their aptitude for mechanical and propulsion design by showing a portfolio of relevant previous projects that they have undertaken - whether through their degree or extracurricular activities (such as the UK Race 2 Space competition). Candidates should have a good understanding of rocket propulsion, including both theory and practical implementation, and should have a keen interest in learning from available literature.
Whilst we expect the successful candidate to already have a background in propulsion, training will be provided as part of the job. Working at a busy test facility will allow the successful candidate to quickly gain experience of testing rocket engines and their components with a variety of propellants and thrust levels.
We expect candidates will have a masters degree in Engineering or Physics (or equivalent) and will have experience with:
The ideal candidate will additionally have experience in one or more of the following areas: