Senior Test Engineer

Job Summary

Senior Test Engineer – GKN Aerospace, Luton – leading a small engineering team in the Materials & Test department to support production and development of next‑generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products.

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Test Lab, including day‑to‑day team leadership.
• Write test plans, execute tests and produce detailed reports for customers.
• Manage facility safety, 5S implementation and tooling/hardware design and acquisition.
• Drive operational improvements and capex proposals for equipment and infrastructure.
• Provide technical decisions on test results, including MRB queries and material re‑life/birth testing.
• Maintain internal and external technical relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Contribute to stakeholder management, risk assessments and EHS policy adherence.
• Develop and deliver on a personal development plan aligned with GKN’s development roadmap.

• Accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials degree.
• Experience in non‑metallic material science, characterisation and testing techniques.
• Leadership experience within a testing environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Logical, methodical problem‑solving approach.
• Self‑starter, enthusiastic, results‑driven and customer‑focused.

• Higher degree (Masters, PhD, EngD).
• Experience in formal project management (scheduling, budgeting).
• Knowledge of industry certification requirements.

• Competitive salary plus up to 15% bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme with 8% match.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement – 185 hours plus bank holidays.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, employee assistance programme and virtual GP clinic.
• On‑site parking, local gym discount and travel card benefits.