Working at IAAPS

At IAAPS we work inclusively to bring together creative and inventive minds to the greatest challenges. As a team, we believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a better culture, where our people feel that they belong, contributions are recognised and rewarded, learning is actively encouraged, and difference is celebrated.. Our values are:

What’s involved?

As a world-leading R&I centre that supports the wider transport sector in the transition to net zero, we have great ambitions – namely, to solve the industry’s biggest challenges by creating the technologies, tools and systems needed to accelerate the move to clean, affordable and sustainable mobility.

We are a commercial subsidiary of the University of Bath, and our world class facility based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park ranks among the top three independent institutions of its type in the world. With a team in place that brings together specialists from across industry and academia and a range of highly prestigious commercial partners within the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors, IAAPS is now firmly moving into a scale up phase.

The key to our success? Put simply, it’s our people. We are a dynamic SME operating at the forefront of future low carbon mobility, therefore everyone’s contribution matters and makes a real difference to what we achieve together.

The role will involve:

• Building effective cross-functional relationships to build and maintain a high-performance team environment.
• Working collaboratively with teams and individuals across a range of projects, changing on a daily or weekly basis, you will provide technical support across the facility to deliver research and commercial projects.
• Day-to-day maintenance of test rigs, facilities, and vehicles, primarily located at the Bristol & Bath Science Park (Bristol), but occasional support of facilities located at the University of Bath Campus in Bath.
• Fabrication and assembly of components, using the following key skills machining (turning, milling, CNC), welding, metal work, hydraulic assembly (pipe fitting) and use of hand tools.
• Assembling test rigs to specification, applying the skills above to meet technical drawings.
• Instrumentation installation within test rigs, engines, and vehicles.
• General vehicle and powertrain maintenance duties, including vehicle inspections and fault diagnosis.
• Conducting propulsion system and vehicle testing on a variety of dynamometers and on road.
• Operation of IAAPS test facilities under the guidance of the Engineering team.
• Maintaining safe working areas and best practice standards within the test facilities.
• Contributing to technical discussions with the Engineering Team and customers and making recommendations on projects.
• Ensuring adherence to IAAPS Quality Policies and Processes.

What do I need?

• C&G, NVQ level 4 or BTEC Higher National Certificate / Diploma in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• Served a recognised Engineering / Vehicle apprenticeship in an engineering environment.
• Previous experience in an automotive or research environment would be advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience of mechanics, hydraulics or electrical systems.
• Machining and/or Welding skills is highly desirable.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills; ability to adapt personal style to different audiences, provide feedback, influence, and challenge effectively.
• A commitment to contribute and engage in meaningful team discussions, lessons learned, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
• A collaborative, proactive self-starter; confident owning activities and processes and working with the team to drive improvements.
• Problem-solver; ability to analyse and assess information and situations, and present creative solutions to challenges.
• A flexible approach to work, with the ability to seek out opportunities to engage in learning, and meaningful development.
• Ability to proactively manage competing demands and deadlines; comfortable and able to act on initiative and deliver outside of your role to achieve results for the team.
• Compliance to our ISO9001 Quality Management and ISO27001 Information Security Management System Policies and Procedures.