Job Summary
GKN Aerospace is hiring for a VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems. The role is permanent and open to candidates based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany, at the following sites:
Hybrid working is possible with an expectation of 5‑7 days per month of travel.
The VP of Aerospace Systems 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 the integration of multiple Product Line solutions, executes system‑level technical governance in line with corporate frameworks, drives development of architecture‑led integration capabilities, and owns the Aerosystems integration strategy that informs Airframes investment priorities. In partnership with customers, Product Line leaders, Manufacturing Engineering, Airworthiness, and external stakeholders, the role ensures delivery of integrated solutions, early opportunity shaping, and participation in risk‑sharing partnerships.
What You'll Be Doing
- Engineering and Technology Vision.
- Technical Community Leadership.
- Product and Process Development Oversight.
- Airworthiness & Regulatory Compliance.
- Engineering Execution & Delivery.
- Research & Technology Development (R&T).
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement.
- Cross Airframe Functional Engineering Support.
- Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance.
- Commercial & Financial Accountability.
What You'll Bring – Essential
Technical Expertise
- Extensive experience in airframe systems integration, systems engineering, or multi‑domain aerospace design.
- 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.
Product and Process Development Leadership
- 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.
Programme Delivery
- 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
Once you are on board you will receive the following perks and benefits:
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Annual Bonus (STIP) – up to 58%.
- Long‑term bonus scheme (LTIP) – up to 50%.
- Car Allowance – £7,500/year.
- 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.
- Flexible working hours.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle To Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
In addition to a competitive package we offer opportunities for career progression, learning and development. We support your career progression with learning and development opportunities, and our global business offers a wide range of possibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe diversity, inclusion and belonging are essential to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know.
