Senior Research Engineer; Process Development

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in the industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries.

As a Senior Research Engineer (Process Development) based at our Luton manufacturing plant, you will use your diverse engineering background to progress a variety of research activities in the TRL1‑6 range. The role involves leading technical work, budgeting, scheduling and risk management while communicating with internal and external stakeholders. You will be expected to develop your own skills, manage external partners and contribute to GKN’s technology development plans.

Core operational hours are 07:30‑16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30‑12:30 Friday. Occasional national travel for customer meetings is required and working from home is possible up to two days per week.

• Responsible for the technical delivery of allocated project deliverables or work packages, ensuring research objectives are satisfied.
• Support or lead hands‑on development test work and trials required to meet delivery objectives.
• Lead the design of external work packages for third parties to meet project research objectives.
• Accurately capture and record data and results from test work and development trials.
• Create and issue high‑quality and detailed technical documentation.
• Seek to understand the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing process technologies.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases.
• Contribute to multi‑year planning and internal/external funding proposals as required.
• Explore exploitation routes under guidance of the Work Stream Lead.
• Support project stakeholder management and, when required, manage supply‑chain partners.
• Develop a personal development plan linked to GKN’s TEF and deliver on agreed objectives.
• Ensure EHS policy and process adherence and promote a proactive EHS culture.
• Contribute to the development of GKN as a “Great Place to Work”, aligned with core principles.

• A relevant accredited Engineering or Science degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Good general engineering/technology knowledge base and strategic thinking.
• Experience managing budgets at work‑package level.
• Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes and emerging techniques.
• Knowledge of AS9145 APQP/PPAP requirements and Zero Defect Manufacturing tools.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma / statistical techniques for process control and problem solving.
• Logical and methodical approach to work‑package planning and costing.
• A strong self‑starter, competent to work with general goal‑based direction as well as specific tasks.
• Experience managing deployed resources (lead but not line‑manager).
• Experience engaging with production teams and incorporating operational requirements.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, able to translate complex information to diverse audiences and represent the project and GKN values in internal/external review meetings.

• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD.
• Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution.
• Experience in Composite Manufacturing Processes.

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme with 8% match on a 1:1.5 basis.
• Life Assurance 8× salary.
• 185 hours holiday + bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle To Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
• Electric Vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme with insurance, servicing, maintenance and roadside assistance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Local gym discount.
• Free airport parking.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• Collaborative, dynamic working environment.

The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). Usually the applicant must have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years, though each case is assessed individually.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of recruitment, please let us know.