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Graduate propulsion engineer

About us

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.

The role

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:

  • Design and installation of liquid oxygen and liquid methane feed systems in our J1 test facility
  • Design, manufacture and testing of custom cryogenic control valves
  • Design of rocket engine components to be made using cutting-edge additive manufacture.

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.

Essential requirements

We expect candidates will have a masters degree in Engineering or Physics (or equivalent) and will have experience with:

  • Design of mechanical components for propulsion
  • Design of fluid handling systems, including typical pressure drop calculations and understanding of basic thermodynamics and heat transfer
  • Common manufacturing processes, with understanding of how these affect part design
  • Computer aided design (especially SOLIDWORKS) and drawing for manufacture
  • Excellent spoken and written English
  • Have or can obtain the right to work in the UK

Desirable experience

The ideal candidate will additionally have experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Previous experience in the propulsion industry, or experience from extracurricular rocket propulsion activities, such as the UK Race 2 Space competition
  • Selecting pipework components for pressurised systems
  • Familiarity with typical mechanical and pipework connections
  • Hands-on skills for assembly of mechanical components
  • Use of standard workshop tools
  • Software modelling
  • Handling fuels and oxidisers
  • Cryogenic systems
  • Linux and version control
  • Control system design
  • Familiarity with instrumentation and control

Role details

  • Starting salary £32k-35k depending on experience
  • Full time position with option for flexible working hours and occasional remote working
  • Generous annual leave policy
  • Company paid private medical insurance scheme
  • Please note that our site at Westcott Venture Park has infrequent public transport links so personal transport is recommended

How to apply

  • Please email a short CV and a cover letter with details of any interesting and related projects you've worked on to jobs@ael.co.uk.
  • Please include any photos and technical details of projects you have worked on; your application will entirely be assessed by other engineers and we would like to see technical details!
  • For group projects please be specific about your own contribution to the project.
  • Please let us know whether you have the right to work in the UK.