Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking aerospace company as a Research Engineer in Bristol, where you will contribute to innovative composite manufacturing processes for future aircraft. This role offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art technology center, collaborating on projects that aim to revolutionize air travel while prioritizing sustainability. You will engage with diverse stakeholders, manage project budgets, and lead development tests, all while enjoying a dynamic work environment that values career growth and inclusivity. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to shape the future of aerospace, this is your opportunity.

Benefits

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Income protection

Cycle To Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience in automated composite processing and handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage Work Package budgets and contribute to planning.
• Support hands-on development tests and trials.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation.

Skills

Automated Composite Handling

Programming Equipment

CAD Tools (Catia V5)

Composite Manufacturing Processes

Metrology and NDT Techniques

Post-processing Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

HND or Degree Apprenticeship

Tools

Autoclaves

Resin Mixing/Injection Equipment

Automated Processing Techniques

Job description

Research Engineer - Automated Composite Manufacturing Processes, Bristol

Client: GKN Aerospace

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 14d5d308c27c

Job Views: 13

Posted: 01.05.2025

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

The Programme

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

ASCEND focuses on developing composite and adjacent technologies to meet the future high-rate production needs of the civil aircraft & future mobility markets through:

• Automation
• Design for Manufacture
• Skills Development

All while sustainably reducing the Cost of Manufacture and Carbon Footprint.

This is an exciting time to join, as the programme concludes with its launch in March 2025; its outputs aim to achieve:

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

Job Responsibilities

• Understand the strategic direction of the target products in your project(s).
• Manage Work Package budgets or small Work Stream budgets.
• Contribute to multi-year planning and funding proposals.
• Develop Technology Development Plans and Business Cases.
• Maintain planning documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Support or lead hands-on development tests and trials to meet objectives.
• Accurately record data and results from tests and trials.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation.
• Explore and suggest exploitation routes, guided by the Work Stream Lead.
• Support stakeholder management and supply chain management as needed.
• Ensure adherence to EH&S policies and promote a proactive EH&S culture.

Job Qualifications

To succeed, you will have:

• A degree in Engineering or equivalent (Aerospace/Mechanical/HND or Degree Apprenticeship).
• Knowledge/experience in automated composite handling and processing, programming equipment like ply profile, autoclaves, Out of Autoclave processing, RTM, infusion, handling aerospace resin systems, AFP/ATL, material cutting, bagging, and tool prep.
• Awareness of product lifecycle stages.
• Experience with oven/autoclave programming, CAD tools like Catia V5, resin mixing/injection, ply cutting, laser ply projection, and automated processing techniques.
• Post-processing skills including machining, finishing, drilling.
• Knowledge of metrology and NDT techniques.
• Understanding of composite component/tooling design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with RTM, resin infusion, prepreg techniques; aerospace background preferred.

What We'll Offer

Benefits include:

• Industry-leading pension scheme (matching contributions up to 8%).
• Life assurance (8x salary).
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Income protection, Cycle To Work Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme.
• A collaborative, dynamic environment.

We support your career growth through learning and development opportunities, with potential for progression within our global organization.

A Great Place to Work

We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging, creating an environment where everyone can contribute. We are committed to accessible recruitment and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Join us in shaping the future of aerospace innovation and technology.