Principal Research Engineer - Cryogenics

Job Summary

The role of Principal Cryogenic Research Engineer is an opportunity to work with industry expert Stephen Harrison, Technical Fellow and Visiting Professor in cryogenics at the University of Bath, to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for cryogenic power distribution within GKN Aerospace Hydrogen Systems. The position advances sustainable aerospace power and propulsion technologies by defining, developing, and integrating cryogenic systems that enhance overall system performance, efficiency, and capability.

This position leads the progression of cryogenic concepts from early‑stage research through experimental validation and system integration, advancing technologies across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–6). Responsibilities include setting technical vision, leading multidisciplinary development activities, ensuring robust translation of research into system‑level solutions, mentoring engineers at all career stages, and championing engineering best practice and functional excellence.

The engineer works in cross‑functional collaboration across Electrical, Controls, Systems and Prototyping to align cryogenic solutions with broader system architectures, requirements and certification pathways. The role offers a hybrid working pattern.

• Lead the definition and development of system and component designs for cryogenic‑electrical power distribution from 20 K to 70 °C, ensuring compliance with safety, airworthiness and certification requirements.
• Lead the definition and development of system architectures and concepts for MW‑class cryogenic‑electrical power distribution systems operating down to 25 K, aligning with programme and business objectives.
• Own end‑to‑end development of system requirements, providing governance across requirements management, safety assessment, risk mitigation and compliance through design into a validated and certifiable product.
• Define and govern design principles, material selections, and technology specifications, delivering scalable, cost‑effective solutions that meet performance, safety and airworthiness expectations.
• Lead validation, verification and qualification strategies, defining compliance routes through analysis, simulation and test (e.g. DO‑160) and providing technical leadership to certification planning and engagement.
• Provide functional and technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, chairing design and peer reviews, assuring technical quality of deliverables and supporting capability growth through coaching and mentoring.
• Generate and protect intellectual property, shaping cryogenic technology development in line with GKN Aerospace Hydrogen Systems’ long‑term technology roadmaps.

• Minimum
  
  B.Eng degree or equivalent and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamic and mechanical principles, with the ability to apply first‑principles engineering to real‑world technical challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, integration and evaluation of cryogenic systems.
• Experience with high‑current power systems employing superconducting and/or hyperconducting technologies at cryogenic temperatures.
• Solid understanding of the effects of cryogenic environments on material properties and the implications for system and component design.
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle for cryogenic equipment, from concept definition through detailed design, drawing development and technical review.
• Experience in functional and physical system development at component and system levels.
• Experience conducting and contributing to safety assessments and risk evaluations.
• Experience defining and managing technical work packages internally and with external partners, including specifications and statements of work.
• Experience reviewing, approving and leading design reviews to assure technical quality and compliance.

Competitive salary dependent on experience
Up to 15 % bonus
Industry‑leading pension scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8 % on a 1:1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12%)
Life assurance 8 × salary
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Flexible working hours, including the ability to finish at 12 noon 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