Job Summary
GKN Aerospace is currently hiring for a VP of Engineering & Technology – Aerosystems. The role is a permanent opportunity open to individuals based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany and based at one of the following sites:
Hybrid working is offered with an expectation for regular travel – on average 5 to 7 days per month.
The VP E&T Aerosystems is responsible for defining and delivering GKN Aerospace airframe-level system integration capabilities and outputs required to architect, integrate, certify, industrialise, and sustain higher‑level aero‑system solutions across the Airframe product portfolio.
As the senior technical authority for Aerosystems, the role holds accountability for integration of multiple product line solutions, executes system‑level technical governance, drives development of architecture‑led integration capabilities, and owns the Aerosystems integration strategy that informs Airframes investment priorities. The role ensures delivery of integrated solutions, early opportunity shaping, and participation in risk‑sharing partnerships in partnership with customers, Product Line leaders, Manufacturing Engineering, Airworthiness, and external stakeholders.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Engineering and Technology Vision
- Technical Community Leadership
- Product and Process Development Oversight
- Airworthiness & Regulatory Compliance
- Research & Technology Development (R&T)
- Cross Airframe Functional Engineering Support
- Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance
What You’ll Bring – Essential
Technical Expertise
- Strong capability in systems engineering, architecture, integration, requirements, and interface control.
- Credibility to act as a system‑level technical authority with regulators, customers, and partners.
- Proven leadership of complex product lifecycles (design, integration, certification, in‑service support).
- Experience across design, manufacturing, and operations interfaces.
- Strong understanding of CS/FAR/MIL requirements and compliance.
- Ownership of large, complex aerospace projects with multiple subsystems.
- Proven track record of delivering to schedule, cost, and quality targets.
- Strong risk management and problem resolution capability.
Leadership & Organisation
- Experience leading large, multi‑site engineering teams in regulated environments (e.g. AS9100).
- Ability to build and scale teams, processes, and operating models.
- Effective decision‑making in high‑pressure environments.
Governance, Safety & Quality
- Experience in technical governance, reviews, and customer engagement.
- Strong understanding of lifecycle controls, safety, risk, and compliance.
Commercial Acumen
- Experience managing engineering budgets and supporting financial planning.
- Involvement in bids, pricing, and margin improvement.
- Understanding of make/buy decisions and supply chain strategy.
What You’ll Bring – Desirable
Broader Experience
- Experience beyond Tier 1 OEMs (e.g. systems integration, propulsion, MRO).
- Direct engagement with regulators (CAA, EASA, FAA, MAA).
- Exposure to MBSE, digital engineering, PLM transformation.
- International and cross‑sector (civil/defence) experience.
Innovation & Strategy
- Experience introducing new technologies into certified products.
- Proven track record of building strategic partnerships.
- Contribution to engineering/technology strategy and roadmaps.
- Awareness of emerging technologies (e.g. automation, digital engineering).
What We’ll Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Annual Bonus (STIP) – up to 58 %.
- Long‑term bonus scheme (LTIP) – up to 50 %.
- Industry‑leading pension scheme – 1.5× employee contribution (max 12 %).
- Full‑family private medical.
- Annual personal health check.
- Life assurance 8 × salary.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Income protection.
- Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
Everyone is welcome to apply. We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments if required.
