Research Engineer Cryogenics

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace company is seeking a Cryogenic Research Engineer to join their Hydrogen Systems team in Bristol. This role involves developing cryogenic technologies for sustainable propulsion systems, generating models and technical drawings, and leading projects that support innovation in aerospace. Candidates should possess a B. Eng degree and have experience in 3D CAD modelling and cryogenic systems design. A hybrid work environment is offered, enhancing flexibility for creative collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in cryogenic system design.
• Ability to produce detailed engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of cryogenic temperatures and material properties.

Responsibilities

• Support development of cryogenic systems.
• Generate CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Lead technical projects and support early-career engineers.

Skills

3D CAD modelling

Proficiency in engineering drawing production

Understanding of cryogenic properties

Good design practice

Education

Minimum B. Eng degree or equivalent

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 sets 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

Shape the Future of Sustainable Aerospace

Join GKN Aerospace’s Hydrogen Systems team and play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation cryogenic technologies for sustainable power and propulsion.

As a Cryogenic Research Engineer, you will support the cryogenic power distribution team in developing and delivering cryogenic systems within GKN aerospace Hydrogen Systems. This work will directly contribute to the advancement of sustainable aerospace power and propulsion systems, integrating cryogenic technologies to enhance system performance, efficiency, and overall capability.

You will help to transform early-stage concepts into validated systems, driving innovation from TRL1 through TRL6.

This role offers a hybrid working environment.

The role will require:

• Generating models and engineering drawings of cryogenic systems ready for manufacture.
• Supervise the procurement, manufacture, and assembly of cryogenic components and systems for aircraft and ground-based facilities.
• Lead technical projects and activities, supporting development of others including capability growth, mentoring early-career engineers, and promoting enhanced engineering processes and functional excellence.

The candidate will be expected to interface across technical disciplines (Electrical, Controls, Systems, and Prototyping etc.) to ensure the cryogenic enablement is coherent with broader system requirements.

How You'll Contribute

The Research Engineer Cryogenics will contribute to the following:

• Develop system and component designs for cryogenic-electrical power distribution across the full temperature range from 20 K to 70 °C, compliant to the relevant safety and certification requirements
• Create accurate 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings for cryogenic/fluid and vacuum system components, using engineering information such as sketches, line-ups, sizing calculations, and written specifications, to support the development of design solutions that meet functional, manufacturing, and safety requirements
• Prepare engineering drawings, BOMs, and associated documentation in line with industry standards and internal design practices
• Apply suitable manufacturing and assembly considerations within CAD models and assist in generating clear process instructions for system build and integration
• Work with engineers and procurement teams to ensure CAD models and drawings align with supplier capabilities and manufacturing constraints
• Assist in selecting materials and components by incorporating specification requirements into CAD models and design documentation
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver cost-effective, high-quality designs and to support design reviews, build activities, and problem resolution
• Contribute to design change control, configuration management, and documentation updates throughout the product lifecycle

What you'll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Essential Skills

• Minimum B. Eng degree or equivalent and qualified with 3 years relevant experience
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and detailed engineering drawing production including assembly modelling, tolerance analysis, and configuration control for cryogenic systems
• Understanding of the effect of cryogenic temperatures on the properties of materials and the implications for system design.
• Understanding and knowledge of good design practice, including manufacturing and joining techniques suitable for cryogenic or fluid or vacuum systems, and cleanliness requirements and specifications.
• Experience of product design lifecycle including concept definition, reviewing drawings, preparing and presenting design reviews

Desirable Skills

• Hands‑on test and assembly experience, particularly with cryogenic or vacuum systems
• Experience with pressure systems, vacuum technologies, or leak testing (e.g., helium leak detection)
• Experience working in laboratory or R&D environments, including safe handling of cryogens (LN₂, LHe, etc.)
• Willingness to carry out hands‑on experiments, assemble prototypes, and support system testing
• Experience with engineering requirements capture, (e.g., defining functional/performance requirements, managing changes, and maintaining verification matrices)
• Experience of working in an Aerospace environment

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.