Principal Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Enviromental Testing

GKN Aerospace’s EWIS solutions (Fokker Elmo) Engineering department is looking for an ambitious Engineer who wants to apply their theoretical background, experience, interests and ambitions to the development of future Electrical (Wiring) Interconnection Systems for sustainable aircraft. Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) already became more prevalent as part of the More Electric Aircraft; today the journey to full Electric and Hybrid-Electric aircraft adds a new chapter to its technology significance.

This will include both High Voltage High Power (HVHP) EWIS developments as well as disruptive technologies for the transmission of low voltage data signals.

Job Summary  As an EWIS Principal Design Engineer, you will serve as the design authority within your specific area of expertise, leading the development and the validation & verification of EWIS components and constructions (component assemblies). In this role, you will define the technical direction for complex EWIS solutions, establish design strategies, and ensure robust, compliant, and high‑quality engineering outcomes across multiple projects.
Your responsibilities include leading trade‑off studies, defining component selection strategies, overseeing component and construction qualification, and delivering high‑quality technical documentation. You will collaborate closely with the Engineering Design Team, acting as a key decision‑maker and technical reference point for EWIS component design.
In this principal role, you will also mentor, coach, and technically guide Senior, Mid‑level, and Junior Design Engineers, ensuring consistent engineering excellence, reviewing critical work packages, and fostering the development of advanced EWIS domain expertise within the team.
As we continue to expand our capabilities in next‑generation EWIS technologies for future aircraft platforms, you will play a key role in shaping the technical roadmap and maturing these advanced competencies.
You will report to the Centre of Competence Manager – EWIS Components and Environmental Testing (ECE). For project‑specific activities, you will collaborate closely with the Technical Lead (Senior Engineer) and/or the Engineering Team Lead (ETL) within the Design team. In addition to receiving project direction, you will act as a design authority within your specific area of expertise, providing expert guidance, validating critical design decisions, and ensuring technical consistency across project deliverables.
What you'll do   Serve as design authority for EWIS components and constructions (component assemblies).
Lead development and validation & verification activities for EWIS component solutions.
Define technical direction, design strategies, and ensure compliant, high‑quality engineering outcomes across multiple projects.
Lead trade‑off studies and define component selection strategies.
Oversee component and construction qualification and deliver high‑quality technical documentation.
Collaborate with the Engineering Design Team as a key decision‑maker and technical reference point.
Mentor, coach, and technically guide Senior, Mid‑level, and Junior Design Engineers; review critical work packages and foster advanced EWIS domain expertise.
Shape the technical roadmap for next‑generation EWIS technologies for future aircraft platforms.
What you'll bring   10+ years of professional experience in a comparable engineering domain, ideally within aerospace, automotive, rail, or other high‑reliability transportation industries.
Extensive system design background with proven leadership in complex, multidisciplinary aerospace and/or transportation system architectures.
Expert‑level knowledge of electrical cable harness design, including deep component‑level understanding of connectors, terminals, backshells, splices, shielding, grounding, protective coverings, and integration constraints.
Strong capability in defining and specifying parts, materials, and assemblies, with a clear understanding of component interactions, system‑level impacts, and design trade‑offs.
Proficiency in interpreting and applying industry standards (e.g., DO‑160, ARP
4754A, MIL‑STD, ISO standards)…