Principal Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Environmental Testing

Principal Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Environmental Testing

Job Summary
The Engineering department of GKN Aerospace's EWIS solutions (Fokker Elmo) is looking for an ambitious Engineer who wants to apply his/her 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, however 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.

What you'll do

Lead the development and validation & verification of EWIS components and constructions (component assemblies).

Define the technical direction for complex EWIS solutions, establish design strategies, and ensure robust, compliant, and high‑quality engineering outcomes across multiple projects.

Lead trade‑off studies, define component selection strategies, oversee component and construction qualification, and deliver high‑quality technical documentation.

Collaborate closely with the Engineering Design Team, acting as a key decision‑maker and technical reference point for EWIS component design.

Mentor, coach, and guide Senior, Mid‑level, and Junior Design Engineers, ensuring consistent engineering excellence and reviewing critical work packages.

Shape the technical roadmap and mature advanced EWIS competencies for next‑generation 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) and translating them into practical design requirements.

Advanced documentation and requirements management skills, including experience with tools such as Codebeamer or equivalent systems.

Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, resolve complex cross‑functional issues, and support design assurance and compliance activities.

Highly analytical and proactive mindset, capable of diagnosing and resolving complex system‑level engineering challenges.

Experience with qualification and certification processes, including effective communication and negotiation with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Soft skills

Assertiveness: willingness to learn, broaden own knowledge, and take initiative.

Teamwork: constructive collaboration in a small multicultural team, taking responsibility for assigned tasks and supporting others.

Results‑driven: planning work in line with project schedules and reporting progress timely.

Self‑learning: continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and personal improvement.

Communication: excellent skills, effective collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies; fluent English in speech and writing.

Project Management: basic project management skills.

Profile

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. An advanced degree is an advantage.

Extensive professional experience—typically 10+ years in a high‑reliability engineering environment such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other advanced electronics design and development domains, with a demonstrated track record of technical leadership and ownership.

What we’ll offer

The role is in Grade M according to the CLA Metalektro.

8% holiday allowance.

42 paid holidays for full‑time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro.

An excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance.

A pleasant and informal working environment where teamwork and results are valued.

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