Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate - Hydraulic Power Transmission Systems

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Bath is seeking an ambitious AKT Associate to join the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control and ARC Aerosystems Limited. You will contribute to the development of a hydraulic power transmission system for a hydrogen-powered rotorcraft, including hardware specification, modelling and integration concepts.

You will work under Professor Andrew Plummer and collaborate with industrial partners in a 0.5 FTE, fixed-term project of 3 months, with a start no later than 13

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in hydraulic circuit design and analysis.
• Experience with system simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, AMESim or equivalent).
• Understanding of system dynamics and control.
• Basic CAD capability for 3D installation layout.
• Understanding of failure mode and effects analysis methodology.
• Self-motivation and able to work independently within a structured project plan.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for producing the design report and presenting at review meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop hydraulic transmission system design concepts for a novel rotorcraft.
• Produce hardware specifications and 3D installation layouts.
• Create dynamic system models and control architectures.
• Perform failure mode and effects analysis and safety assessments.
• Collaborate with ARC Aerosystems and academic partners on integration schemes.
• Prepare design reports and present findings at review meetings.
• Assist aircraft integration studies and interfaces.

Skills

Hydraulic circuit design

System dynamics and control

Self-motivation

Communication skills

CAD capability

Education

Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

AMESim

Job description

This project will support the development of a novel hydraulic power transmission system for a next-generation hydrogen-powered rotorcraft. Working closely with academic and industrial partners, the Associate will play a key role in delivering a hydraulic transmission system design, including hardware specification, dynamic system modelling, control architecture, failure mode analysis and aircraft integration schemes. You will gain experience at the interface of aerospace engineering, hydraulics, controls, and sustainable aviation technology while contributing directly to a pioneering UK aerospace programme. Through this AKT, you will work with the University of Bath's Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control, recognised as the UK's leading hydraulic systems research group, to co-develop a complete transmission architecture that supports ARC's future aircraft development programme.

The University of Bath is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated AKT Associate to work with the Director of the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control and ARC Aerosystems Limited on an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project.

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in hydraulic circuit design and analysis.
• Experience with system simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, AMESim or equivalent).
• Understanding of system dynamics and control.
• Basic CAD capability for 3D installation layout.
• Understanding of failure mode and effects analysis methodology.
• Self-motivation and able to work independently within a structured project plan.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for producing the design report and presenting at review meetings.

The project will be supervised by Professor Andrew Plummer FREng, Director of the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control (PTMC), the UK's premier research group in hydraulic systems engineering. Professor Plummer is an internationally recognised expert in hydraulic power transmission, aerospace actuation systems and hydrogen-related fluid power technologies.

ARC Aerosystems develops advanced rotorcraft for regional air mobility and emergency medical services. Its flagship programmes, the Pegasus III and Linx P9 rotorcraft, are designed to provide affordable, sustainable aviation solutions and support commercial and air ambulance operations. The company is currently leading a £2.0M ATI-funded hydrogen rotorcraft programme.

This is a part-time role, working 0.5 fte for a fixed-term period of 3 months, and the role must start no later than 13 November 2026.