Research Engineer

Senior Research Engineer – Advanced Composite Manufacturing (RTM)GKN Aerospace is seeking an experienced Senior Research Engineer with a background in advanced composite manufacturing process development, especially Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The role is based in Bristol and is part of the GTC technology team, focusing on advancing composite manufacturing processes for current and future wing applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the strategic direction of target products and contribute to the project strategy, reconciling input from multiple specialist areas.
• Possibly hold budget accountability for a Work Stream or Work Package.
• Contribute to multi‑year planning and to internal/external funding proposals as required.
• Prepare Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within your project(s).
• Ensure all planning documentation is regularly updated, accurate and on track; may hold schedule accountability.
• Support or lead development trials and test work applicable to your Work Package or Work Stream.
• Raise and issue high‑quality, detailed technical documentation.
• Possibly manage core Technology Team members assigned to your Work Stream or project, or deploy team management.
• Drive projects toward exploitation, identifying and supporting industrialisation scenarios.
• Support project stakeholder management with internal and external customers; may lead management of supply chain partners.
• Adhere to GKN EH&S policies, monitor and report key health and safety metrics, and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Contribute to the development of GKN as a ‘Great Place to Work’, aligning with core principles of safety, innovation, openness, care, respect and ownership.

Qualifications

• In‑depth technical knowledge of RTM processes (HP‑RTM, VARTM, CRTM) for medium to large‑scale aerospace applications; experience from other industries is welcomed.
• Experience contributing to technology development and delivery for medium to large‑scale RTM structures, including tooling concepts, forming technologies, in‑mould sensor and monitoring tools, and resin injection equipment.
• Strong understanding of process control, repeatability and statistical variation in composite manufacturing.
• Experience collaborating with tooling engineers on RTM mould design, resin distribution strategies and thermal management.
• Familiarity with RTM defect mechanisms (e.g. dry spots, voids, race tracking) and mitigation strategies.
• Hands‑on experience supporting RTM manufacturing in a production or industrial R&D environment.
• Detailed knowledge of a variety of carbon‑fibre materials and associated processing options, both manual and automated.
• Strong understanding of aerospace‑grade composite materials, including fibres, resins and core materials.

Education

• A relevant, accredited engineering degree or demonstrable equivalence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Up to 15 % bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme: match contributions up to 8 % on a 1:1.5 basis (maximum employer contribution 12 %).
• Life assurance: 8 × salary.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Flexible working hours, including the option to finish early on Fridays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family.
• Collaborative, dynamic working environment.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments, to ensure a fair and inclusive hiring experience.

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