Materials Development Research Engineer

Job Summary

We are looking for a Materials Development Research Engineer with a strong non‑metallic materials engineering background to support the production and development of next‑generation composite aero structures, ice protection, and transparency products at our Luton manufacturing plant.

The role will progress research activities in the TRL1‑6 range, focusing on the interactions between processing parameters and material properties of acrylics, polycarbonates and adhesives. You will guide new technology test plans and process/product development, and work with a variety of customers and suppliers.

• Develop manufacturing processes for polymer, composite and adhesive materials.
• Qualify materials and processes to assure compliance with requirements.
• Support robust manufacturing process technologies applied to materials.
• Collect inputs related to tasks and produce deliverables that meet quality and schedule requirements.
• Prepare and guide tests and test plans, and critically analyse test data.
• Deliver technical project outputs, ensuring research objectives are satisfied.
• Lead hands‑on development test work and trials required for project delivery.
• Design external work packages for third parties to meet research objectives.
• Capture and record data and results from test work and trials.
• Raise and issue high‑quality technical documentation.
• Understand the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Business Cases.
• Support multi‑year planning and funding proposals.
• Explore exploitation routes in line with the Work Stream Lead.
• Manage stakeholder interactions with internal and external customers and supply‑chain partners.
• Develop a personal development plan linked to GKN's TEF and deliver on agreed objectives.
• Maintain EHS policy adherence and contribute to a proactive EHS culture.
• Contribute to GKN's culture of safety, innovation, openness, care, and ownership.

• Accredited degree in Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or relevant industry experience.
• Experience in polymer and composite material science and processing.
• Strong engineering/technology knowledge base with strategic thinking.
• Good working knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes and interest in new techniques.
• Experience with in an industrial engineering discipline, preferably aerospace, automotive, marine or energy sectors.
• Logical and methodical approach to work‑package planning and costing.
• Self‑starter able to work under general goal‑based direction and specific task‑based requirements.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, able to translate complex information to a variety of audiences.

• Higher degree (Masters, PhD or EngD) or Chartered Engineer status.
• Experience managing deployed resources.
• Experience engaging with production teams and incorporating operational requirements into projects.

Occasional UK travel to customers and suppliers is required. Core working hours at our Luton site are 07:30‑16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30‑12:30 on Fridays. Up to two days per week may be worked from home, subject to business needs.

Position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). Applicants normally need to be UK residents for at least five years, but each case is assessed individually.

Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions that may impact certain nationalities; applicants will be asked to declare nationalities during the application process.

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme – we match contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis.
• Life assurance 8 times salary.
• 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family.
• Free onsite parking.
• Local gym discount.
• Free airport parking.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.