Company Overview
GKN Aerospace is a global manufacturer of aircraft ice protection systems and transparencies, serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. The Luton site, with 370 employees, focuses on product and manufacturing process technology for ice protection systems, transparencies, coatings and specialist structures.
Role Overview
As a Senior Design Engineer on the Transparencies team, you will lead design activities for fast jet canopies, helicopter wind‑scopes and flight‑deck windows. The role encompasses product life‑cycle responsibilities from requirement analysis and geometrical design to manufacturing process development, product verification, certification and in‑service support.
Responsibilities
- Analyse customer requirements and define technical solutions for bids and proposals within assigned programmes.
- Develop, check and approve technical solutions and compliance documentation for work packages.
- Identify and assess technical risks, propose mitigations and act as Lead Design Engineer in Integrated Programme Teams (IPT) and Material Review Board (MRB).
- Define and validate test methods or alternate means of compliance to demonstrate design solution meets requirements.
- Create, check and approve documents such as permits, concessions, rework schemes and provide technical support for non‑conforming products.
- Lead design activities for internal and external technical reviews, including gate reviews and preparation of technical data and presentations.
- Mentor, train and develop junior team members.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of products, processes, tools and design handbooks.
- Collaboratively work with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to achieve technical and programme objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Accredited relevant Engineering qualification at Bachelor level or equivalent.
- Experience creating models and drawings using CATIA V5.
- Strong self‑starter, logical and methodical approach to planning and decision making.
- Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, able to produce clear, concise technical content.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
- Experience with product life‑cycle activities: requirements management, geometric design, tooling, manufacturing process development, specifications, verification, qualification and certification testing.
- Knowledge of MRB, customer concession management, engineering change management and in‑service technical support.
- Understanding of the product development lifecycle, design practices and interest in manufacturing.
- UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) required; residency in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and a performance‑based bonus up to 15%.
- Industry‑leading pension scheme: contributions matched up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis.
- Life assurance 8×salary.
- 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Employee assistance programme and virtual GP clinic.
- Electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme (insurance, servicing, maintenance, roadside assistance).
- Free on‑site parking, local gym discount, free airport parking.
- Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
Working Hours & Location
Core operational hours at the Luton site are Monday–Thursday, 07:30–16:30 and Friday, 07:30–12:30. Some flexibility may be available. Occasional UK travel may be required to meet suppliers, customers or visit other GKN sites.
EEO & Diversity Statement
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging and to creating a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.
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