Materials Planning Specialist

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers. Whatever part you play youll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers. Based at our Luton manufacturing plant youll do just that. Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. design, analysis, testing, certification and manufacture of electro-thermal ice protection, military fast jet canopies and flight deck windows to over 20 programmes including: Our Luton site is home to 370 employees and onsite facilities including onsite parking, food hub and vending machines. The Luton Engineering & Technology team is focussed on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies and coatings, and specialist structures for both civil and defence applications. Were looking for a Principle Materials Engineer with a strong non-metallic materials engineering background, to join our materials and test team to support the production and development of next generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products. The role will be based in the Materials, Coatings and Test (MCT) team within the wider Engineering and Technology department and report to the Functional Team Leader. The role as a Principle Materials Engineer will support the business and engineering team, with non polymer materials science and processing knowledge and guidance. The role will provide a deep understanding of the interactions between processing parameters and material properties of composites, Acrylics, Polycarbonates and adhesives, being able to guide and make decisions on new technology test plans and current production deviations. There will be occasional travel, national and international, required to support customer visits and other GKN sites. You will be involved with projects from the planning / assembly / instrumentation / commissioning phase though to successfully performing and reporting the test. You will also be responsible for providing specialist support to existing programmes within your field of expertise, helping to resolve manufacturing issues and supporting continuous improvement efforts. Job Responsibilities Development of manufacturing processes in relation to polymer, composite and adhesive materials Qualification of materials and processes to assure they comply with the requirements Assessment of deviations from the specified materials and processes requirements to assure continued airworthiness Support operational and development programs to enable and deliver zero defect projects utilizing engineering and problem solving skills. Accountable for delivering robust, manufacturing process technologies as applied to materials, tooling, part fabrication and assembly. Collect inputs, related to a task and take it through an identified process to produce an output / deliverable adhering to quality and schedule requirements. Coordination/project lead for REACh activities: identification of arising issues regarding the REACh legislation, providing support and advice locally and to other GKN sites concerning the impact of REACh. critical and systematic interpretation and analysis of test data, applying the outcome of tests for substantiation of specification changes. Troubleshooting and production support on Materials Issues (e.g. Composites, polymers, bonding, surface treatments). What You’ll Bring To help us make a difference, youll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes: Essential: Composite or Polymer Materials Science based Degree (or related) Experience in Polymer and Composite material science and processing; familiarity with REACh environmental legislation Significant relevant experience within an industrial engineering discipline, preferably within an Aerospace/Automotive/Marine/Energy sectors Experience with quality systems, specifications, standards, etc. with the ability to oversee the broader field Excellent reporting and project management skills Good English language, both verbally and in writing, Desirable: Ability to plan work through formal project management processes, including scheduling and budgeting and lead a team to ensure successful delivery of required outcomes. An awareness of aerospace certification requirements. A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD within Aerospace/Automotive/Marine/Energy sectors The successful candidate should have a broad interest in non-metallic material technologies & testing and characterisation techniques. As a Principle Materials Engineer , the candidate will be naturally curious and seek to increase/deepen their own technical knowledge through study, collaborative working, hypothesis testing and experimentation. Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. Competitive salary dependent on experience The opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus Industry Leading Pension Scheme = well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis Life Assurance 8 x salary 185 hours holiday bank holidays Income protection Shopping discounts Cycle To Work Scheme Employee Assistance Programme Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family Free onsite parking Local gym discount Free airport parking Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting Enhanced family friendly leave A collaborative, dynamic working environment As well as a competitive package well offer you a world of opportunity. Well support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology….