Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes

TN United Kingdom; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Engineer to advance automated composite manufacturing processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative projects that shape the future of aerospace technology. You will be part of a dynamic team, leveraging your engineering expertise to develop cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. The position promises a collaborative work environment, emphasizing sustainability and innovation, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to excellence and diversity in the aerospace sector.

Benefits

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life Assurance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Income protection

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience with automated composite manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of budget and schedule management.

Responsibilities

• Manage Work Package budgets and contribute to planning.
• Support hands-on development and trials for delivery objectives.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation.

Skills

Automated Composite Handling

Programming Equipment

Out of Autoclave Processing

Material Cutting

Budget Management

CAD Skills

Post-processing Skills

Understanding of Metrology

Education

Degree in Engineering

HND or Degree Apprenticeship

Tools

Catia V5

Resin Equipment

Thermocouple Setup

Job description

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Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes, Birmingham

Client:

GKN Aerospace

Location:

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

b7eb6cc4bec4

Job Views:

10

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

Located 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 team, an opportunity has arisen for a Research Engineer with a background in advanced automated composite manufacturing process development to join us in shaping the future of flight. You will be 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 leverage your broad engineering knowledge and product lifecycle understanding to work on research tasks in the TRL3-6 range. You will execute tasks systematically, demonstrating logical problem-solving skills. Your proactive approach will help you quickly understand and adapt to new technology areas. Good communication skills will enable you to confidently engage with internal stakeholders.

The Programme

ASCEND is a cross-sector composite Technology and Supply-Chain development programme, bringing together the Aerospace & Automotive supply chains and led by GKN Aerospace, with support from 15 partners.

ASCEND aims to develop composite and related technologies to meet the future high-rate production needs of civil aircraft and future mobility markets through:

• Automation
• Design for Manufacture
• Skills Development

All while sustainably reducing manufacturing costs and the carbon footprint.

This exciting programme is in its final stages, concluding with its launch in March 2025; its outputs include:

• TRL5 - High rate thermoset press forming - Rib structure
• TRL6 - Automated preforming, deposition, and RTM – Wingtip

Job Responsibilities

• Understand the strategic direction of target products in your projects.
• Manage a Work Package or small Work Stream budgets.
• Contribute to multi-year planning and funding proposals.
• Develop Technology Development Plans and Business Cases.
• Keep planning documentation updated, accurate, and on track.
• Support or lead hands-on development and trials to meet delivery objectives.
• Record data and results from tests and trials accurately.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation.
• Explore exploitation routes, guided by the Work Stream Lead.
• Support stakeholder management and lead supply chain management when needed.
• Ensure adherence to EH&S policies and promote a proactive safety culture.

Job Qualifications

Required experience and attributes include:

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, HND, Degree Apprenticeship)
• Experience with automated composite handling and processing, programming equipment, Out of Autoclave processing, RTM, handling aerospace resins, AFP/ATL, material cutting, bagging, and tool prep.
• General awareness of the product lifecycle.
• Knowledge of budget and schedule management.
• Experience programming ovens/autoclaves, including thermocouple setup.
• CAD skills (e.g., Catia V5).
• Experience with resin equipment, ply cutting, laser ply projection, automated processing techniques.
• Post-processing skills: machining, finishing, drilling.
• Understanding of metrology and NDT techniques.
• Familiarity with composite design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with RTM, resin infusion, prepregs; aerospace background preferred but not essential.

What We'll Offer

Benefits include:

• Industry-leading pension scheme (up to 8% contributions matched 1:1.5)
• Life Assurance (8x salary)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Income protection
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment

We support your career growth through learning and development opportunities, aiming to help you reach your potential in a global company.

Join us to face fantastic challenges and explore new horizons in aerospace innovation, supported by top training and a culture of diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to accessibility and reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

Be part of shaping the future of aerospace technology with us.