Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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: For 24 months
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £38,655 to £42,942 per annum
Apply by: 11/10/2026
Role Description
We welcome applications from experienced engineers who enjoy combining technical problem-solving with the delivery of real engineering solutions, to join our team and help shape the future of aerospace thermal management technologies through the development and operation of Cranfield University’s Thermal Management Systems Facility.
About the Role
The Thermal Management Systems Facility is one of Cranfield University’s flagship experimental facilities, supporting the development of next-generation aerospace thermal management, fuel and lubrication systems. The successful candidate will play a key role in the continued development and operation of this capability, working alongside academics, researchers and industrial partners on technically challenging and highly applied engineering programmes.
As a Senior Test Facility Engineer, you will lead the development, integration, commissioning and operation of complex experimental systems and test rigs. Working across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control disciplines, you will transform research requirements into robust engineering solutions that deliver safe, reliable and high-quality experimental data.
This role combines engineering design, system integration, troubleshooting and facility operation. Working closely with academics, researchers and leading industrial partners, you will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing Cranfield’s experimental capabilities while supporting cutting-edge aerospace research.
The role offers a rare opportunity to take technical ownership of a unique experimental facility supporting nationally important aerospace research and technology development programmes.
About You
You will be an experienced engineer with a strong track record in the operation, commissioning, modification or development of complex engineering systems, test facilities or industrial process equipment.
Educated to degree level, or holding an HNC/HND with substantial industrial experience, you will have a broad understanding of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation systems, together with the practical skills required to diagnose problems and deliver effective engineering solutions. Professional registration (RSci, IEng, or equivalent) is essential.
You will be comfortable interpreting technical drawings and specifications, developing safe systems of work, and taking ownership of technical activities from concept through to implementation. Experience with instrumentation, control systems, data acquisition, hazardous fluids, pressurised systems or research and development facilities would be advantageous.
You will be a proactive engineer who enjoys solving practical problems, working collaboratively with others, and taking responsibility for the safe and successful delivery of technical projects.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.
The Thermal Management Systems Facility is a unique national research asset supporting the development of advanced thermal management technologies for future aerospace propulsion systems. Combining large-scale experimental capability with strong industrial partnerships, the facility enables the testing of integrated fuel, oil, cooling and heat-exchange systems under representative operating conditions.
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. We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
As part of our commitment to support and develop Technical staff across the University, we are a founding signatory of the Science Council's Technician Commitment. Find out more here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Eduardo Anselmi Palma, Lecturer in Aero Systems Design and Integration for Thermal Management, on (E): e.a.anselmipalma@cranfield.ac.uk
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5401.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.