Company Description
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We are proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies and committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do. With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
As a Research Engineer at our Luton manufacturing plant, you will develop and mature manufacturing process technology to enable low cost, high rate, and high‑yield manufacturing of aircraft structures with embedded ice protection capability. The role focuses on automation and digitalisation to drive innovation and manufacturing excellence. The position includes traveling within the UK and occasional international travel.
Job Responsibilities
- Responsible for the technical delivery of allocated project deliverables or work packages, ensuring research objectives are satisfied.
- Support or lead any necessary hands‑on development test work and trials required to meet delivery objectives.
- Support or lead the design of external work packages to be carried out by third parties.
- Accurately capture and record data and results from test work and trials.
- Raise and issue high‑quality detailed technical documentation.
- Understand the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing process technologies being developed.
- Contribute to technology development plans and business cases.
- Contribute to multi‑year planning and internal/external funding proposals.
- Suggest and explore exploitation routes aligned with guidance of the Work Stream Lead.
- Support project stakeholder management with internal/external customers and manage supply chain partners where required.
- Lead a personal development plan linked to GKN’s TEF and deliver on agreed objectives.
- Ensure EHS policy and process adherence and contribute to a proactive EHS culture.
- Contribute to developing GKN as a “Great Place to Work” aligned with core principles.
Essential Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualification such as HNC/HND/degree in engineering (e.g., Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical).
- Good working knowledge of general industrial manufacturing processes and an interest in new and emerging techniques.
- Good working knowledge of AS9145 APQP/PPAP requirements and tools supporting Zero‑Defect Manufacturing.
- Good understanding of Lean manufacturing philosophies and Six Sigma/Statistical techniques for process control and problem‑solving.
- Logical and methodical approach to task planning.
- Good report writing and presentation skills, able to support and present at technical and project review meetings.
- Ability to develop a professional network and awareness of key aerospace technology companies and individuals.
Desirable Qualifications
- A higher degree such as a Master’s, PhD or EngD.
- Experience working with and configuring PLCs (Siemens).
- Experience with SCADA systems.
- Proficient in operating and configuring industrial equipment, especially ABB robotic systems and Robot Studio software.
What You’ll Bring
Beyond the listed qualifications, you would have a broad engineering knowledge and be an innovative thinker, capable of combining concepts from manufacturing process selection, industrial process control, robotics, digital engineering, and Lean manufacturing principles to deliver cutting‑edge solutions. You should be adaptable, collaborative, naturally curious, and possess strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders.
Security Clearance
This position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). Typically, you must have resided in the UK for at least five years, though each case is assessed individually. Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions that may impact certain nationalities.
What We’ll Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Industry‑leading pension scheme – match contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis.
- Life assurance equal to 8 × salary.
- 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP clinic for you and your immediate family.
- Free onsite parking.
- Local gym discount.
- Free airport parking.
- Discounts with local nursery and pre‑school childcare settings.
- Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
Benefits
In addition to the above package we provide learning and development opportunities, a supportive environment that encourages career progression, and access to a global business network.
Join us
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging, and all are welcome to apply. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please get in touch.
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