Wind Tunnel Model Workshop Fitter and Integrator

Airbus; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share

Contributory pension

Car leasing scheme

Onsite parking

Job summary

Airbus Operations Limited is seeking an experienced wind tunnel technician to assemble and fit precision wind tunnel models for Aerodynamic testing at Filton. You will work on one-off, high-precision components and contribute to model final assembly for internal wind tunnel campaigns and international facilities.

The role requires hands-on mechanical engineering skills, ownership of tasks, and a methodical approach to complex assemblies.

Qualifications

• Background in precision mechanical engineering.
• Advanced hand and workshop skills for small complex projects.
• Ability to own a task from start to finish.
• Methodical, pragmatic and systematic approach to tasks.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Integrate wind tunnel models for test campaigns at Filton and external facilities.
• Mechanical assembly and fitting of wind tunnel model components to engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Hand finishing of metallic and non-metallic components to meet surface tolerances.
• Install static pressure measurement instrumentation, including hypodermic tubing soldering and validation checks.
• Build and support model configuration changes during wind tunnel test campaigns.

Skills

Wind tunnel experience

Mechanical fitting

Precision finishing

Engineering drawings

Teamwork

Education

Diploma/Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description:

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Frequent travel within the UK and internationally

LOCATION: Filton

UK TYPE: Full time

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check)

Do you have great hands‑on skills to work on fine, detailed, high precision components and an ability to take a careful, methodical approach when facing new parts being assembled for the first time? Are you looking for variety, where every task is different and offers an opportunity to learn something new? If so, this could be the role for you!

The wind tunnel workshop is a hidden gem on the Filton site, where we fit instrumentation and complete the final assembly of all the wind tunnel models for Airbus' experimental aerodynamic testing. These are complex, precision models that need to be assembled to a very high standard and close tolerances.

The wind tunnel team has the privilege of delivering many different wind tunnel models over the course of each year, which are tested at internal facilities in Filton and Bremen, and at other tunnel facilities worldwide. You will be based in our Filton wind tunnel, which has a unique legacy of testing every aircraft developed on site from Concorde through to the latest A350 XWB. You will be amongst the first to see and bring to life our latest cutting edge aircraft designs.

Our team has an enormous amount of experience and every model we put together is a one‑off. It's therefore a great place to work if you like variety, love to face new challenges and want to always develop your practical skills. We have a long serving team who loves what they do, so this is a one‑off opportunity for you to join us.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM

• Integrate wind tunnel models in readiness for test campaigns at the Filton facility and at external facilities worldwide
• Mechanical assembly and fitting of machine manufactured wind tunnel model components following engineering drawings, understanding and achieving specified geometric tolerances for model configurations.
• Hand finishing of metallic and non metallic wind tunnel model components to achieve specified surface tolerances, including blending of interchangeable components and sub assemblies.
• Installation of static pressure measurement instrumentation - installing of hypodermic tubing, including soldering of ferrules, flexible tubing, ident markers and pressure validation checks.
• Build and support model configuration changes at wind tunnel test campaigns at the Filton facility and at external facilities worldwide

You must also be willing to travel within and outside the UK, supporting periods of intensive testing at external wind tunnel facilities.

ABOUT YOU

• A background in precision mechanical engineering
• Advanced hand and workshop skillset with interest to work on small and complex projects.
• Able to take ownership of a task and take it through to completion.
• Demonstrate methodical, pragmatic and systematic approach to all tasks.
• Work both independently and part of experienced team

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary with overtime, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, various optional salary sacrifice benefits, shopping discounts and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 35 hour week, flexible working around core hours.
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime yoga / meditation
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave, purpose built maternity rooms on site
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To 'opt in', just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Operations Limited

Employment Type:

Permanent

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Assembly & Integration

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Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.