Composite Technical Authority - Technology

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, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s 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 We are looking for a Technical Authority in the field of Composite Manufacturing Process Development to join the GKN Aerospace Technology team at our Global Technology Centre, Bristol. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of advance manufacturing technologies for GKN Aerospace. The successful candidate will have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the field of composite manufacturing process development witha proven track record in leading and successfully executing complex technology development projects with particular focus on Engine and Rotative structures.

The Technical Authority will be responsible for leading the development and supporting the industrialisation of state-of-the art composite manufacturing processes. Key aspects of this role involve; ensuring technical excellence throughout the development phase, driving innovation, leading a multidiscipline team, supporting the technology strategic planning process and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

How You'll Contribute The Technical Authority will be responsible for the following:

Technical Leadership:
You will lead a team of research engineers and specialists fostering a culture of care, innovation, integrity, and ownership and you will provide expert guidance to all levels within the organisation on composite manufacturing technologies and processes including input into the strategic planning process.

Process Development:
You will lead the development and optimisation of composite manufacturing processes, including material selection, tooling methods, and supplier selection and production techniques.

Innovation: You will drive innovation in composite manufacturing methods to enhance product performance and reduce manufacturing costs.

Quality Assurance:
You will ensure adherence to the TRL process and ensure that any manufacturing processes meet the required GKN aerospace quality standards and aerospace regulatory requirements.

Project Management:
You will technically lead strategically important projects and working with the PM team you will be responsible for project progress reporting and budget and schedule adherence.

Collaboration:

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and production, to ensure seamless integration of composite technologies. You will harness the benefits of and continue to grow your extensive technical network/ecosystem.

Training and Mentorship:
You will provide guidance, training and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in the field composite manufacturing techniques.

Problem Solving:
You will address technical challenges in a systematic and collaborative way and implement solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

What you'll Bring To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Essential:

Experience:

Extensive experience in composite component manufacturing process development…