Research Engineer: Advanced Composite Manufacturing

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Life Assurance

Holidays

Flexible hours

Income protection

Cycle to Work

Employee assistance

Virtual GP

Collaborative environment

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Research Engineer – Composite Manufacturing Processes to help shape the future of flight from our Bristol site. You will develop advanced composite manufacturing processes for current and future aircraft wing applications within the GTC technology team.

You’ll work across TRL1-6, executing tasks with a structured, methodical approach and engaging with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality technical outcomes.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of composite manufacturing processes, including material preparation, layup, tooling, resin processing, and component cure operations.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing, development, or laboratory environment, following defined processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods, with an understanding of how process quality influences product performance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to project delivery by understanding product strategy and supporting the development of Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases.
• Support project planning and execution, including maintaining project plans, managing assigned budgets, and contributing to funding proposals where required.
• Lead or support development activities, including hands-on testing and trials, accurate capture of results, and delivery of high-quality technical documentation.
• Achieve project objectives through collaboration, coordinating activities across teams and contributing to successful delivery.
• Support stakeholder engagement, building relationships with internal teams, customers, and supply chain partners, while identifying opportunities for future technology exploitation and industrialisation.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and high-performing working environment, championing EH&S standards and GKN's values.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Layup

Tooling

Resin processing

Component cure

Product lifecycle

Project planning

Budget management

Schedule delivery

Collaboration

Communication

Proactive

Relationship building

Student development mentoring

Tools

GKN Tools

Job description

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Research Engineer – Composite Manufacturing Processes to help shape the future of flight from our Bristol site. You will develop advanced composite manufacturing processes for current and future aircraft wing applications within the GTC technology team.

You’ll work across TRL1-6, executing tasks with a structured, methodical approach and engaging with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality technical outcomes.