Senior Research Engineer - Composite Manufacturing Processes

Fantastic Challenges. Amazing Opportunities.

Join GKN Aerospace in revolutionizing air travel: going further, faster, and greener! Powered by passionate professionals whose expertise and innovation set industry standards, we are driven by the chance to push boundaries and innovate. We are proud to protect global democracies and prioritize sustainability to safeguard our planet. With a global workforce of over 16,000 across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers, achieving sales of £3.35 billion in 2023. Your career with GKN Aerospace has no bounds.

Job Summary

Located at our state-of-the-art £32 million Global Technology Centre in Filton, Bristol, a new opportunity has emerged for a Senior Research Engineer in Composite Manufacturing Processes due to internal promotion and ongoing program growth. This role is perfect for individuals with a background in advanced composite manufacturing process development eager to shape the future of flight. As a vital part of the GTC technology team, you'll develop advanced composite manufacturing processes for future wing applications. We're seeking talented individuals poised to become future leaders.

Drawing upon your extensive engineering background and product lifecycle awareness, you'll advance a range of research activities within the TRL1-6 spectrum. With experience in leading technical work, managing budgets, schedules, and risks, you'll achieve success through collaboration. Strong communication skills will enable you to engage confidently with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

The Programme

ASCEND is a cross-sector composite Technology and Supply-Chain development programme, aligning Aerospace & Automotive supply chains and led by GKN Aerospace along with 15 additional partners. ASCEND focuses on:

• Automation
• Design for Manufacture
• Skills Development

We aim to sustainably reduce Manufacturing Costs and Carbon Footprint. Join us at an exciting time as the programme concludes its final stages, launching in March 2025. The expected outputs are:

• TRL6 - Automated preforming, deposition and RTM – Wingtip
• TRL5 - High-rate thermoset press forming - Rib structure

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Research Engineer, you will:

• Develop project strategies, reconciling inputs from multiple specialists.
• Manage budget accountability for work streams or work packages.
• Contribute to multi-year planning and funding proposals.
• Prepare Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases.
• Maintain regularly updated and accurate planning documentation.
• Support or lead development test work and trials as needed.
• Create high-quality, detailed technical documentation.
• Manage core Technology Team members in your work stream or project.
• Drive projects towards exploitation, identifying industrialization scenarios.
• Engage in stakeholder management with internal/external customers and supply chain partners.
• Adhere to GKN EH&S policies, promoting a proactive safety culture.
• Foster the development of GKN as a 'Great Place to Work' through core principles.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• A relevant accredited engineering degree or equivalent experience in composite process development, preferably in aerospace.
• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods, including various carbon fiber materials and processing options.
• Experience in technical aspects: tool design, preparation for cure, and handling.
• Design for Manufacture mindset.
• General engineering and technology knowledge with strategic thinking.
• Budget management experience for work packages or work streams.
• Experience managing direct reports or deployed resources.

Desirable:

• Experience with programming ovens/autoclaves and thermocouple setup.
• Operation of resin mixing and injection equipment.
• Experience with laser ply projection and automated composite processing.
• Post-processing of composite structures, including machining and drilling.
• Knowledge of metrology and NDT techniques.
• Experience with RTM, resin infusion, and prepreg techniques.