THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Recruitment Role Profile Form
Job Title:
Aeroengine Research Project Engineer
School/Department:
Faculty of Engineering, Rolls Royce University Technology Centre in
Gas Turbine Transmission Systems (Transmissions UTC)
Salary:
£37,394 - £45,954 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Job Family and Level: Administrative, Professional and Managerial Level 5
Contract Status:
This full-time, fixed-term post is available immediately for a period of
24 months
Hours of Work:
36.25 hours per week (full-time), 5 days per week
Location:
Gas Turbines and Transmissions Research Centre, Jubilee Campus,
University of Nottingham, NG8 1BB
Reporting to:
Transmissions UTC Lead Experimental Fluids Academic (currently Dr
Kathy Simmons)
Purpose of the New Role:
The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) for Gas Turbine Transmission Systems
has a requirement for additional highly versatile and skilled mechanical engineers to join our
team. The roles will involve application of a range of professional engineering skills relating to
the design, manufacture, commissioning and use of test facilities in support of UTC research,
including rotating test rigs running at speeds of up to 20,000 rpm. This role encompasses all
aspects of the mechanical system including control and instrumentation. In some cases the
role may extend to taking and analysing rig data. Working as part of a small team the post
holder will assume a significant role in implementing aero engine test rig projects including
being technical lead in some projects.
Liaison with academics, researchers, technical
colleagues and industrial colleagues will form a part of the role.
Main Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Provide a principal and lead role in the design and development of new aero engine test
rigs. Working with academics, researchers, technical services colleagues and industrial
technical customers the role holder will translate requirements documents into top level
concept designs. Work with technical services colleagues to produce detailed models
using 3D CAD Software including generation of engineering detail drawings for general
assemblies and components from models produced.
Provide a lead role in oil/air/instrumentation/control systems integration in the design and
development of new aero engine test rigs. The role holder will first translate requirements
documents into top level concepts then refine these to develop solutions for the research
to be undertaken.
Provide a lead role in the actualisation/realisation of test facilities including control and
instrumentation implementation. The role holder will be capable of both doing the
required tasks and also managing others in the team to do so.
Equipment specification and procurement. The role holder will play an active and often
lead role in specifying and procuring equipment, parts, instrumentation and transducers
for UTC test rigs.
Generate rig related documentation including Risk Assessments, Safe Operating
Procedures, Design Reports and Commissioning reports.
Support/lead testing on rigs and conduct appropriate data analysis and reporting
Participate in and/or jointly lead internal and external project meetings, include meeting
8.
reporting where appropriate.
Any other duties associated with the role.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications/
Education
Essential
 Mechanical/ Manufacturing/
Aerospace/ Automotive/ Chemical
Engineering qualification to BEng
level or equivalent, or better
Skills/Training



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
Experience




Proven overall concept and design
skills applied to complex test rigs or
similar
Facility with use of at least one
parametric 3D CAD package
Basic understanding of fluid
mechanics
Basic understanding of
instrumentation
Hands on subsystem build/
debugging skills.
Clear communication skills at all
levels.
Workshop familiarity with
knowledge of use of tools/
equipment to the extent needed to
manage acquisition of complex
precision engineered assemblies.
Broad familiarity with
Instrumentation
Broad familiarity with the
development of data acquisition
systems
Broad familiarity with all
mechanical engineering concepts
relevant to the operation of rotating
machines or test rigs or other
industrial equipment.
Experience of applying the knowledge
gained through academic qualifications
including situations where the optimal
engineering solution may not be
immediately apparent and there is a
mass of information or diverse, partial
and conflicting data, with a range of
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Desirable
 MEng in Mechanical
Engineering at 2:1 or
equivalent, or better
 PhD or equivalent in a
relevant field
 Professional qualification in
engineering
 Rotating test rig or turbomachinery design /
development experience
 Experienced user of ‘Creo’
Software. (ie Pro Engineer)
 Vibration sensing for rotor
balancing and knowledge of
special requirements for
designs involving high
speeds.
 Instrument calibration
knowledge.
 Application of electric
motors, drives and
mechanical transmissions
 LabVIEW training/capability.
A high level of LabVIEW
expertise is preferred.
 Any familiarity with laser
techniques (LDA, PIV etc),
high speed rotatives, shaft
stability, structural stability,
bearing selection, vibration,
strain gauging, high speed
cameras is an advantage.
 2 years of C&I track record
 Oils or fluid handling
 Instrumentation design
experience selecting and
installing appropriate
instrumentation for
equipment / test rigs.
 Experience of developing
data acquisition systems,
including calibration for
instrumented equipment.
 Experience on a wide range
of design projects.
 Direct experience with large
high-speed rotating
machinery/ rigs.
 Knowledge of aerospace
industry engineering
requirements.
 Experience of working within
an organization such as a
University or company R&D /
Design environment.
Statutory/Legal
potential options available. There must
be evidence of independent thought
and ability to deal with ambiguity.

Experience with industrial
communications buses (RS
232, Modbus, EtherCAT etc)


Experience with risk analysis
specific to rotating test rigs.
Eg electrical hazards, safe
shutdown, interlocks, fire.
The interpretation and
implementation of work related
regulations and procedures and an
understanding of non-compliance
on other staff and the University
(e.g. Health and Safety)
Decision Making
i)
taken independently by the role holder
Prioritisation of work load.
All general day to day decisions.
Technical decisions relating research programs and support.
Purchasing of materials up to budgetary limits.
Ensuring research tasks and time scales are maintained.
Maintaining rigs and equipment.
Setting up rigs and equipment as requested.
Arranging for manufacture of items as needed.
Obtaining quotes for parts, rigs and services.
Training needs
General University Administration
Safety awareness
ii)
taken in collaboration with others
Liaison with all categories of staff in relevant areas.
Directing support staff as required.
Participating in formal/informal design reviews against programme requirements.
Providing technical advice and support academic staff and researchers as requested.
iii)
referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder
Purchasing high cost items
Key facility design decisions
Communications with external funding bodies
Additional Information
The role holder will be responsible for achieving and maintaining high standards with regard to
technical support of the research programs.
Although part of a specific research team, the role holder will be required to work to a large
extent on their own initiative and be expected to set their own day to day priorities.
The role demands that undergraduates, postgraduates and academics needs are met thereby
ensuring the efficient carrying out of research of the highest quality and to agreed timescales.
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