Principal Research Engineer Machining

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 16000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

As Principal Research Engineer you will take on the role of Work Stream Lead (technical programme manager) for Subtractive Technology (Machining).

The purpose of this role is to identify and technically programme manage the execution of machining innovation activities and to lead the subtractive manufacturing team as line manager.

You will have a strong track record in leading teams leading technical work managing budgets schedule and risk.

Based at our Global Technoloy Centre Bristol this role offers a hybrid working pattern.

How Youll Contribute

• Lead the subtractive manufacturing team as line manager and as technical leader driving engagement and high team performance.
• Lead machining technology development in the TRL3 to TRL6 range ensuring high quality technical documentation is delivered and good project governance is undertaken.
• Deliver machining technology into operational sites across GKN.
• Ensure machining activities are completed on time to quality and to cost.
• Be the point of contact for machining technology development within the GKN Global Technology Centre managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.

What Youll Bring

To help us make a difference youll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills experience qualifications and attributes:

Essential:

• You will have experience of leading a technical team incorporating budget schedule management and reporting.
• You will have a strong track-record in delivering innovative technical work project risk management and adapting to changing requirements and budget.
• You will have experience of delivering technology innovation into operational manufacturing environments within a highly regulated environment.

Desirable:

• Substantial industrial experience within a machining environment.
• Domain expertise in subtractive manufacturing technologies with a focus on milling.
• Be a subject matter expert in machining one of the following materials: composites aluminium or titanium.
• Expertise in turning and grinding.
• Working knowledge of CNC programming machining hardware simulation cutting tools material science machine dynamics.
• Direct experience of operating machining centres.
• A wide network of machining expertise to draw upon across academia and/or tooling suppliers.

Education

Essential:

• A relevant accredited engineering degree

Desirable:

• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters PhD or EngD
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution

What Well 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
• Stip Max Bonus 15%
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 25 days holiday bank holidays
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative dynamic working environment

Well offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry who knows how far you can go

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 arethe place where human dreams plus human endeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Required Experience:

Staff IC