School/Department School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
Based at Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period 18 months
Salary Full time starting salary in the range of £25,110 to £28,763 per annum
Apply by 19/10/2021

Role Description

Cranfield University’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

We welcome applications for this exciting research post from those with relevant knowledge in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) engineering for the design and experimental testing of aero thermal management applications.

About Aerospace

Aerospace is at the heart of Cranfield’s global research airport and is renowned throughout the world for its teaching and research in the fields of aviation and aerospace.  Cranfield Aerospace’s six centres are the powerhouses of our world class research, driving technological and conceptual advances in aeronautics, propulsion engineering, cyber-physical systems and intelligent automation. Through the strong links with industry built over the past 70 years, we focus on defining and delivering the aircraft, airport and airspace management of the future and are the only university in Europe with our own airport and runway.  Cranfield Aerospace is internationally recognised as the first choice for research and education in all aspects of aerospace including aircraft, drones, urban air mobility and space.

The Centre for Propulsion Engineering, within the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing (SATM), has a strong track record in power plant modelling and performance simulation research. Research activities in the past 50 years, on gas turbine applications in power and propulsion, cover virtually every aspect of the field, such as steady-state and transient performance simulation, diagnostics, novel cycles, engine control, advanced simulation methods and integration. Extensive participation in various EU and UK based projects has strengthened and established the Centre as a key contributor to path breaking research while acquiring a peripheral view of the emergence of new technologies in the field. Propulsion Engineering Centre staff also run a large and extremely successful international activity embracing applied research, industrial short courses and leading MSc and PhD programmes. The Centre is also host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Aero Systems Design, Integration & Performance, testimony of the Centre’s global visibility and extensive links with industry.

About the Role

You will join the Gas Engineering Group within the Centre for Propulsion Engineering. The group is placed between academia and industry and carries out research with a strong scientific and industrial relevance. The core competence of the Group is its ability to undertake detailed modelling studies and performance simulations involving aero-thermo, multi-disciplinary models to improve and extend our understanding of power plant and related systems performance within, but also at the edges, of the operating envelope. There is also a large experimental activity supported by key industrial partners. You will be expected to contribute extensively to an ongoing EU funded project on novel Rotorcraft Assessments and interact with industry contacts.

About You

You will contribute to the design, performance modelling and experimental testing of aero systems for waste heat recovery, environmental control and other thermal management purposes. This will encompass numerical data post processing and analysis using multiple technical software. The role will also involve short-term responsibilities such as performing tests in laboratories, interaction with a wider project team and assisting in the production of mechanical engineering CAD drawings for workshop and contractors.

You will have a MSc in a closely relevant engineering discipline, with experience undertaking CFD studies for machines operating with refrigerants such as R744, R1233ZD or R290. Experience in conceptual design and assessment of turbomachinery and technical report writing skills are also essential. Demonstrable team player character is desirable.

In return, the successful applicant will have exciting opportunities for career development in this key position, and to be at the forefront of world leading research and education, joining a supportive team and environment.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. Find out about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here. We are currently piloting hybrid working arrangements until April 2022.  This means the majority of our staff are spending between 40% and 60% of their time working from the office where job roles allow.

How to apply

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Eduardo Anselmi on (T); +44 (0)1234 75 4742; or (E); e.a.anselmipalma@cranfield.ac.uk