Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes

TN United Kingdom; Bedford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a Research Engineer to advance automated composite manufacturing processes. This role involves working on cutting-edge technologies, contributing to significant projects that aim to reduce costs and carbon footprints in aerospace. You'll collaborate within a dynamic team, leveraging your engineering expertise to manage budgets, develop technology plans, and engage with stakeholders. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of flight while enjoying a supportive work environment that values diversity and career growth.

Benefits

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance (8x salary)

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Income protection

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience with automated composite handling and equipment programming.

Responsibilities

• Manage Work Package budgets and contribute to planning proposals.
• Support hands-on development testing and trials.

Skills

Automated Composite Handling

Engineering Degree

Oven/Autoclave Programming

CAD Tools (Catia V5)

Composite Post-Processing

Budget Management

Product Lifecycle Knowledge

Education

Degree in Engineering

HND/Degree Apprenticeship

Tools

Catia V5

Job description

Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes, Bedford

Client: GKN Aerospace

Location: Bedford, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: db5160ecff36

Job Views: 11

Posted: 26.04.2025

Expiry Date: 10.06.2025

Job Description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Situated within our £32m state-of-the-art Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Filton, Bristol, and as a result of internal movement and promotion within the existing team, an opportunity has arisen for a Research Engineer with a background in advanced automated composite manufacturing process development. You will help shape the future of flight as an integral member of the GTC technology team working on developing advanced composite manufacturing processes for current and future aircraft wing applications.

As a Research Engineer, you will draw on your broad engineering knowledge and product lifecycle understanding to work on various research tasks in the TRL3-6 range. You will execute tasks according to plan, demonstrating a logical and methodical approach to problem solving. Your proactive nature will enable you to quickly understand and adapt to new technology areas. Good communication skills will allow you to confidently engage with internal stakeholders.

The Programme

ASCEND is a cross-sector composite Technology and Supply-Chain development programme, led by GKN Aerospace with support from 15 partners, aiming to develop technologies for high-rate production in aerospace and automotive industries through:

• Automation
• Design for Manufacture
• Skills Development

The programme focuses on reducing manufacturing costs and carbon footprint, with outputs including TRL5 and TRL6 milestones in composite manufacturing.

Job Responsibilities

• Understand strategic direction of target products in your project(s)
• Manage Work Package or small Work Stream budgets
• Contribute to planning and funding proposals
• Develop Technology Development Plans and Business Cases
• Maintain updated planning documentation and ensure delivery
• Support or lead hands-on development testing and trials
• Accurately record data and results
• Generate high-quality technical documentation
• Explore exploitation routes with guidance
• Support stakeholder management and supply chain management as needed
• Adhere to EH&S policies and promote safety culture

Job Qualifications

Requirements include:

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent (Aerospace/Mechanical/HND/Degree Apprenticeship)
• Experience with automated composite handling, processing, and equipment programming
• Knowledge of product lifecycle, budget, and schedule management
• Experience with oven/autoclave programming, CAD tools (e.g., Catia V5), and composite post-processing
• Familiarity with resin systems, RTM, infusion, and prepreg techniques
• Experience in aerospace or relevant industries is preferred

What We'll Offer

Benefits include:

• Industry-leading pension scheme
• Life assurance (8x salary)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Income protection
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

We support your career growth through learning and development opportunities and a collaborative work environment. Join us and take your career to new heights!

A Great Place to Work

We embrace diversity, inclusion, and belonging, creating a culture where everyone can contribute. We are committed to accessible recruitment processes and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Join us at GKN Aerospace, where human dreams and endeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.