Principal Research Engineer - Systems Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Up to 15% bonus

Industry-leading pension scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Income protection

Job summary

GKN Aerospace, located in Bristol, is seeking a Principal Engineer with a strong background in Systems Engineering to lead and develop projects across various engineering disciplines. Responsibilities include providing technical leadership, ensuring consistent application of engineering principles, and mentoring systems personnel. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in the systems engineering lifecycle and a STEM degree, with experience using tools like Codebeamer. The position offers a competitive salary, up to 15% bonus, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using Codebeamer or similar tools for requirements management.
• Proven track record in defining and deploying SE frameworks across programmes.
• Ability to integrate tools into a coherent digital-thread approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the full technology engineering lifecycle.
• Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles across programmes.
• Develop strategic plans for delivery of key systems programme aims.

Skills

Systems engineering lifecycle expertise

Experience in MBSE (e.g., SysML)

Requirements management and traceability

Mentoring cross-functional engineering teams

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

STEM degree

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or INCOSE CSEP/ESEP preferred

Tools

Codebeamer

Job description

GKN Aerospace is looking for a Principal Engineer with a strong background in Systems Engineering to help shape the future of flight. Based at the Global Technology Centre Bristol, you will deliver modern systems engineering across the portfolio of software, controls, structures, prototyping, electrical and cryogenic systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the full technology engineering lifecycle using systems engineering methods.
• Evolve and grow capability by embedding systems engineering into each discipline and beyond.
• Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles across programmes.
• Champion Model Based Enterprise toolsets and Codebeamer for requirements capture, traceability, Agile tasking and reporting.
• Lead and mentor the systems personnel, managing career progression, appraisals and goal setting.
• Develop strategic plans for delivery of key systems programme aims.
• Act as a technical authority and mentor across the portfolio in conjunction with the Technology Authority.

Qualifications

• Expertise in the systems engineering lifecycle (ISO/IEC 15288, INCOSE) with experience in MBSE (e.g., SysML).
• Hands‑on experience using Codebeamer or similar tools for requirements management, traceability and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of requirements elicitation, decomposition, interface management and V&V planning.
• Proven track record in defining and deploying SE frameworks across programmes.
• Ability to integrate tools into a coherent digital‑thread approach.
• Experience leading and mentoring cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to present to diverse audiences.
• STEM degree and significant experience in systems engineering. Chartered Engineer (CEng) or INCOSE CSEP/ESEP preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Up to 15 % bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme – contributes up to 8 % matched at 1:1.5 (employer max 12 %).
• Life assurance 8 × salary.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours, including early finish on Fridays.
• Income protection, shopping discounts, Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and virtual GP clinic.

Hybrid working is available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Everyone is welcome to apply. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging, and we provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.