Hypersonic Materials Analysts

About the job

AWE is currently looking for enthusiastic Hypersonic Materials Analysts with experience and interest in aeronautical/defence/space applications to join the Aerothermal Analysis team. The Aerothermal team is required to understand the performance of materials (metals, carbon composites & other novel materials) in hypersonic re-entry environments and the effect they have on aerodynamics.

These roles will involve: providing materials expertise to the Aerothermal Team; modelling ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS) material behaviour; providing direction for material response code development; providing input to material characterisation and ground test efforts; managing contractor interactions; and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

Role: Hypersonic Materials Analysts

Location - Reading Area

Closing date: 16th February 2024

Salary: £35,720 - £55,000 (dependent on experience)

As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Life Assurance
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site
• Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply)
• Potential opportunities to travel with work for conferences and collaboration

Successful Candidates will be responsible for:

• Providing expertise to the Aerothermal Analysis team in modelling and testing high-temperature materials for hypersonic re-entry environments
• Directing the development of a cutting-edge, bespoke, material response solver, and to lead the validation/verification effort
• Understanding the interaction between material response and aerothermal system performance
• Understanding materials data requirements for developing physics-based predictive models, and to influence the data gathering program and validation effort
• Conducting aerothermal modelling for hypersonic re-entry applications
• Supporting the technical development of junior team members
• Influencing and conducting Design of Experiments for ongoing ground and flight testing efforts to ensure material data is commensurate with model requirements
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including: customers, contractors, peers, and the wider analysis team, including face-to-face meetings, writing technical reports, and delivering presentations

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• A good technical degree and membership of an engineering institution
• Experience in the modelling and testing of composite materials
• An understanding of, or a willingness to gain experience in, high-speed aerothermodynamics
• Ability to solve problems in making computational models and methods work.
• Experience of working on Linux (or Unix) and HPCs
• Experience of coding/scripting (e.g. Fortran, Python, bash) would be beneficial
• Sound interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact with staff at all levels and also with other technical disciplines
• Ability to produce and present clear and concise reports and presentations for customers, peers, programme management, and external meetings
• An ability to work both individually and as a member of a team to tight deadlines
• To be meticulous and methodical
• To be highly self-motivated
• Heavy user of display screen equipment.

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role and be willing and able to travel within the UK and overseas as required.

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