Company description: Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. 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, were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job description: Job Summary Youll be making a real contribution to the future of aviation. Whatever your role, youll play a part in delivering operational excellence for our customers, based at our Luton manufacturing facility. Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. The site offers a full breadth of capability, including design, analysis, testing, certification, and manufacture of electro-thermal ice protection systems, military fast-jet canopies, and flight deck windows. Our products support more than 20 aircraft programmes, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A320, AgustaWestland AW101, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Our customer base includes Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopters, Textron, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and Leonardo.The Luton site is home to over 370 employees and benefits from onsite facilities including parking, a food hub, and vending machines. Our Engineering & Technology team at Luton focuses on developing both product and manufacturing process technologies for aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies, functional coatings, and specialist structures, supporting a wide range of civil and defence applications. We are seeking an R&D Engineering Technician to support Research and Development activities by providing hands-on technical expertise in the build, modification, and testing of prototypes, experimental rigs, and laboratory equipment. Development work will primarily involve composite materials, with some exposure to 3D printing and electronics. The role enables engineers and researchers to translate concepts into practical solutions through accurate experimentation, problem solving, and data capture, while ensuring all activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with engineering and laboratory standards. The technician plays a key role in accelerating innovation by supporting iterative development, reliable testing, and the transition of concepts toward validation and future industrialisation. Core operational hours at our Luton site are: 07:30 - 16:30 Monday to Thursday & 07:30 - 12:30 Friday. Job Responsibilities Prototyping: Build, assemble, modify, and test prototypes, rigs, and experimental setups Support engineers during product, process, and technology development Translate design concepts, drawings, and specifications into practical experimental builds Adapt equipment and layouts quickly to support iterative design and proof-of-concept work Testing: Set up and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and data-capture systems Conduct laboratory, bench, or pilot tests in line with test plans and protocols Monitor experiments, record observations, and report deviations or anomalies Assist with verification and validation activities for new designs or materials Fault Finding & Problem Solving: Diagnose issues affecting prototypes, test rigs, or experimental equipment Provide practical input to resolve mechanical, electrical, or system-level problems Identify limitations in designs or setups and suggest practical improvements Support rapid troubleshooting to minimise test delays Test Equipment: Maintain R&D laboratory/workshop equipment, test rigs, and specialist engineering tools Ensure test environments remain safe, organised, and fit for purpose Manage specialist consumables, components, and prototype materials Documentation & Data Recording: Accurately record test results, build notes, changes, and observations Update drawings, build instructions, and experimental documentation Maintain traceability of prototype versions, test conditions, and configurations Support technical reports, design reviews, and project documentation HSE: Work in compliance with laboratory safety procedures, risk assessments, and COSHH Contribute to safe system-of-work documentation for experimental activities Identify and report hazards associated with new or unproven technologies Support safe handling of materials, chemicals, energy sources, and moving systems Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Work closely with engineers, and/or project teams Provide hands-on technical insight during design reviews and prototype discussions Support training or handover of experimental setups to colleagues Share lessons learned to improve future designs and test efficiency Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Actively contribute ideas to improve prototype build quality, test repeatability, or efficiency Help refine R&D processes, tooling, and test methods Stay informed on emerging technologies, tools, and engineering methods relevant to R&D Support transition activities from R&D into pilot or production environments where required CATIAv5 experience Profile description: 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: Industry experience in manufacturing or prototype development in Aerospace or Automotive industry The successful candidate will be proactive in their work. Strong hands-on engineering skills with a flexible, solution-focused mindset Ability to work with incomplete or evolving specifications Curiosity and willingness to experiment and learn High attention to detail when recording test data and results Ability to balance creativity with safety and compliance Effective communication with multi-disciplinary teams Methodical and attentive to details Desirable: Background in composites materials Design / CATIAv5 experience HND/HNC in relevant engineering discipline We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do. Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As part of the application process you will be asked to declare when applying for this role. The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually). We offer: What We'll Offer Once youre on board youll get the following perks and benefits: Competitive salary dependent on experience 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 Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme (Insurance, servicing, maintenance, roadside assistance and more included) Free onsite parking Local gym discount Free airport parking Enhanced family friendly leave A collaborative, dynamic working environment As well as a competitive package well offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! Well support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Thats the beauty of being part of a global business, once youre on board you never know where you career journey may take you! Join us and keep the world moving click on the link below to apply A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. 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. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. Were also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ?