Mechanical Engineer

GKN; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm based in Luton is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to develop next-generation aerospace materials, including composite aero structures and ice protection systems. This role involves project management, technical documentation, and stakeholder coordination. Candidates should have a strong background in material science and FEA simulation. The position offers competitive salary, bonus potential, and extensive benefits in a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on experience

Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance 8× salary

185 hours holiday + bank holidays

Income protection

Shopping discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Virtual GP clinic

Free onsite parking

Local gym discount

50% off local travel card

Free airport Dart

Free airport parking

Discount with local nursery

Enhanced family-friendly leave

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of material science, characterisation and testing techniques.
• Experience in structural and thermal FEA analysis.
• Ability to interpret customer performance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning and technical delivery of projects.
• Lead 'hands on' development test work and trials.
• Contribute to strategic product development and stakeholder management.

Skills

Material science

FEA simulation

Report writing

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials based degree

Masters, PhD or EngD (desirable)

Tools

ANSYS

LS-DYNA

Abaqus

Job description

Senior Research Engineer – Materials Development

The Luton Engineering & Technology team is focussed on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies, functional coatings, and specialist structures for both civil and defence applications. We’re looking for a Senior Research Engineer, with a strong mechanical engineering background, to join our materials development team to support the development of next generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products. As a Senior Research Engineer, you’ll bring your specialist knowledge in material science and FEA simulation to deliver high‑impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1‑7.

Job Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the planning and technical delivery of allocated projects and work packages ensuring the research objectives have been satisfied.
• Plan, coordinate and lead any necessary ‘hands on’ development test work and trials that are required to meet delivery objectives ensuring all relevant safe systems of work are satisfied.
• Support or lead the design of external work packages to be carried out by third parties in order to meet project research objectives.
• You may have line management responsibilities, depending on individual competencies and team structure, though this is not a core requirement.
• Be responsible for raising and issuing high quality and detailed technical documentation, and review and approval of reports raised by others.
• Seek to understand and contribute to the strategic direction of the target products or manufacturing process technologies being developed within your technology field.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within your projects and technology field.
• Contribute to stakeholder management with internal/external customers, and you may lead management of supply chain partners in some cases.
• Take an active role in creating a personal development plan linked to GKN's TEF (Technical Excellence Framework) and will be responsible for delivering on agreed objectives supported by your line manager.
• Contribute to the development of GKN as a ‘Great Place to Work’, aligned with the core principles – safe, innovative, open & honest, care & respect, and ownership.

Qualifications

• A relevant, accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials based degree.
• Experience of material science, characterisation and testing techniques.
• Strong knowledge and experience of FEA for structural and thermal analysis.
• Ability to understand customer requirements, or support the generation of performance requirements by interpreting operational needs and converting these to appropriate product characteristics.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Logical and methodical approach to problem‑solving.
• Strong technical background, enabling you to work across short, medium and long term technology horizons.
• Ability to plan work through formal project management processes, including scheduling and budgeting, and lead a team to ensure successful delivery of required outcomes.

Desirable

• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD.
• Experience of dynamic FEA simulation.
• Experience of ANSYS, LS‑DYN and/or Abaqus.
• Awareness of aerospace certification requirements.
• Data‑based problem‑solving techniques.
• Experience of data‑driven problem‑solving techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% 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.
• Free onsite parking.
• Local gym discount.
• 50% off local travel card.
• Free airport Dart.
• Free airport parking.
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment. We also offer a competitive package and support your career progression by providing learning and development opportunities.