About GKN Aerospace
Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. Offering a full range of capabilities – design, analysis, testing, certification and manufacture of electro‑thermal ice protection, military fast jet canopies and flight deck windows – to over 20 programmes including Boeing 787, Dreamliner, Airbus A320, AgustaWestland, AW101, Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F‑22 Raptor. Our customers include Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopters, Textron, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Leonardo. Our Luton site is home to 370+ employees and offers onsite parking, a food hub and vending machines.
Role Summary
We’re looking for a Senior Research Engineer, with a strong mechanical engineering background, to join our materials development team and support the development of next‑generation composite aero‑structures, ice protection and transparency products. In this role you will bring specialist knowledge in material science and FEA simulation to deliver high‑impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels 1–7. You will ensure all research outputs are technically robust, innovative and aligned with our broader engineering and sustainability goals.
Responsibilities
* Be responsible for the planning and technical delivery of allocated projects and work packages, ensuring research objectives have been satisfied.
* Plan, coordinate and lead any necessary hands‑on development test work and trials required to meet delivery objectives, ensuring all relevant safe systems of work are satisfied.
* Support or lead the design of external work packages to be carried out by third parties in order to meet project research objectives.
* Provide line management support where appropriate, depending on individual competencies and team structure.
* Raise and issue high‑quality, detailed technical documentation and review reports raised by others.
* Contribute to the strategic direction of the target products or manufacturing process technologies within your technology field.
* Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within your projects and technology field.
* Manage stakeholder relationships with internal and external customers, and lead supply chain partners when required.
* Lead the creation of a personal development plan linked to GKN’s TEF (Technical Excellence Framework) and deliver on agreed objectives supported by your line manager.
Qualifications & Experience
* You will have a proven track record of leading and delivering technical work, including experience of formal project management processes (budgeting, scheduling, risk management). With strong communication skills, you will be confident working with a broad range of stakeholders, including non‑technical audiences. You are passionate about keeping pace with developments in your field and are a hands‑on innovative thinker who pushes the boundaries of existing technologies and applications.
* A relevant, accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials‑based degree. Experience of material science, characterisation and testing techniques. Strong knowledge and experience of FEA for structural and thermal analysis. Ability to understand customer requirements and convert operational needs into product characteristics. Strong report writing and presentation skills. Logical, methodical problem‑solving approach. Strong technical background across short, medium and long‑term horizons. Ability to plan work through formal project management processes, including scheduling, budgeting and leading a team to successful delivery.
* Desirable qualifications: higher degree (Masters, PhD or EngD), experience of dynamic FEA simulation, proficiency with ANSYS, LS‑DYN and/or Abaqus, awareness of aerospace certification requirements, data‑driven problem‑solving techniques.
Benefits
* Competitive salary dependent on experience
* Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus
* Industry‑leading pension scheme – we match your contributions 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
* Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family
* Free onsite parking
* Local gym discount
* 50% off local travel card
* Free airport Dart and parking
* Discount at local nursery and preschool childcare setting
* Enhanced family‑friendly leave
* A collaborative, dynamic working environment
Culture and Career Opportunities
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the industry standards, we are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. We champion diversity, inclusion and belonging, celebrating what makes us unique and encouraging everyone to bring their full selves to work. We believe our success comes from coming together as a diverse, collaborative team, and we’re proud to have received the “Best Workplace Culture Award”. We also provide an accessible recruitment process and support for necessary adjustments during hiring.
We offer fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation and technology. With competitive compensation, flexible benefits and a supportive learning culture, your career can truly take flight.
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