The company:
Williams’ core competencies are the design and development of racing cars to compete in the Formula One World Championship. As one of the world's leading Formula One teams, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles since its foundation in 1977 and is now moving into an exciting era under new ownership defined by relentless innovation and living sustainable performance in every dimension.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Wind Tunnel Engineer to join our dynamic Aero Test Facilities team. The successful candidate will work in the Wind Tunnel Engineer group who are responsible for ensuring Wind Tunnel tests are carried out to the highest standard, providing quality data in the most efficient and effect manner to support the aerodynamic development program, with due regard for the facility equipment and systems.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our aerodynamic research and development projects in our state-of-the-art facilities and play a part in the continuous improvement of our testing procedures to ensure the highest quality experiments and enhance our on track performance.
Key Responsibilities:
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Run the Wind Tunnel following test lists provided by the Duty Aerodynamicist and maintain all associated records of activities.
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Liaise with the modelmakers to ensure model changes and runs are seamless with minimal downtime.
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During and between runs review data for quality, feeding back any issues to the team to ensure conclusions and remedial actions are valid and scheduled/completed.
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Act as the first port of call for any facility issues, investigating and resolving where possible.
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Form part of the facility support network to provide out of hours support to resolve issues.
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This role is a weekend shift role.
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Ensure downtime is kept to a minimum whilst ensuring all details of issues are recorded for follow up as required – excellent communication must be maintained at all times.
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Ensure WT tests are understood in advance liaising with the team to ensure all supporting technology is available and fully functional. This will include but not be limited to:
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Facility & Model Systems Configurations.
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Model extraction & installations.
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Model & Facility Mechanical Assemblies.
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Ensure model instrumentation and mechanical assemblies are built and maintained as required.
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Generate and communicate ideas for improvements to the facility, the test methodologies and the capabilities whilst bearing in mind the need for effective and efficient operations.
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Take a hands on approach to facility maintenance tasks.
Core Skills and Experience:
The candidate will be capable of gaining a good working knowledge of the facility, it’s systems and processes and an understanding of what is important for aerodynamic development. The candidate will also have good core interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively both alone and within a team:
- Master’s degree in engineering or similar is desirable, with a focus on Automotive or Mechanical.
- An appreciation of electro-mechanical systems and assemblies.
- Python/MATLAB/Labview experience preferable but not compulsory
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to take initiative and respond quickly and effectively to problems, while working under pressure.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- A positive attitude to learning and picking up new technologies
- Great enthusiasm and a can-do attitude
- Flexible approach to working and ability to be part of the on-call rota.
- Appreciation of confidentiality within an F1 environment.
Please note, this role may be expected to complete alternative or additional duties from time to time as required by the needs of the business, at the discretion of the management team.
What can Williams offer?
The Williams Group is based in multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The Williams Group offers a competitive holiday package, staff events/open days, a subsidised restaurant on site and various car schemes. We have an on-site gym (open 24 hours a day) as well as various fitness classes including outdoors bootcamps, pilates and yoga free for all staff and contractors to use. Aside from these benefits we can offer free onsite parking and large open green spaces to unwind during breaks. We are a based just 30 mins from Oxford City Centre by bus.
Williams is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments