Research Engineer

GKN; South Ockendon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to join their materials development team. This role requires a strong mechanical engineering background and specialization in material science and FEA simulation. Responsibilities include planning and delivering projects, leading hands-on development tests, and preparing technical documentation. A relevant degree and communication skills are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and a dynamic working environment focused on innovation and career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on experience

Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance 8x 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 and airport parking

Childcare discount program

Enhanced family-friendly leave

Qualifications

• Experience in material science, characterisation, and testing techniques.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into product characteristics.
• Proactive mindset to quickly understand new technology areas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and technically deliver allocated projects to meet research objectives.
• Support or lead the design of external work packages.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation and approve reports.

Skills

Material science

FEA for structural analysis

Problem-solving

Report writing

Data-driven problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials degree

Masters, PhD, or EngD (desirable)

Tools

ANSYS

LS-DYNA

ABAQUS

Job description

Overview

The Luton Engineering & Technology team focuses on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies, functional coatings, and specialist structures for civil and defence applications. We are seeking a Senior Research Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering background to join the materials development team and support the development of next generation composite aero structures, ice protection, and transparency products. As a Senior Research Engineer, you will bring specialist knowledge in material science and FEA simulation to deliver high-impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-7. You will ensure research outputs are technically robust, innovative, and aligned with engineering and sustainability goals. You will provide specialist support to existing programmes, help resolve manufacturing issues, and support continuous improvement. A proven track record of leading and delivering technical work, including experience with formal project management processes (budgeting, scheduling, and risk management), is required. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including non-technical audiences. This is a hands-on, innovative research role that pushes the boundaries of technology and its applications.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and technically deliver allocated projects and work packages to ensure research objectives are satisfied.
• Plan, coordinate and lead necessary hands-on development test work and trials to meet delivery objectives, ensuring compliance with safety and relevant systems of work.
• Support or lead the design of external work packages to be carried out by third parties to meet project objectives.
• You may have line management responsibilities depending on competencies and team structure, though not a core requirement.
• Prepare and issue high-quality technical documentation, and review and approve reports from others.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing process technologies within the field.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within projects and the technology field.
• Contribute to stakeholder management with internal/external customers; may lead management of supply chain partners in some cases.
• Create a personal development plan linked to the Technical Excellence Framework (TEF) and deliver objectives with line-manager support.
• Support the development of GKN as a great place to work, aligned with core principles of safety, innovation, openness, care, and ownership.

Qualifications and Skills

• A relevant accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials degree.
• Experience in material science, characterisation, and testing techniques.
• Strong knowledge and experience of FEA for structural and thermal analysis.
• Ability to translate customer requirements or operational needs into product characteristics.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Logical and methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong technical background enabling 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.
• Desirable: Masters, PhD, or EngD; experience of dynamic FEA; experience with ANSYS, LS-DYNA and/or ABAQUS; awareness of aerospace certification requirements; data-based and data-driven problem solving techniques.
• Broad interest in aerospace engineering with understanding of material technologies, including testing and characterization techniques. Prior laboratory experience is beneficial but training can be provided. Experience in composites and thermoplastics is desirable but not essential. Proficiency in FEA analytic techniques to build and interpret models for structural and thermal analysis.
• Proactive mindset to quickly understand and adapt to new technology areas. Strong communication skills for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Flexible approach and willingness to learn and support team members. Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (essential).

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus
• Industry-leading pension scheme with employer contributions up to 8% (1:1.5 basis)
• Life assurance 8x 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 and airport parking
• Childcare discount program
• Enhanced family-friendly leave
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment with opportunities for career progression and development