Senior Research Engineer- Additive Manufacturing Materials & Process

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

This innovative firm is seeking a Senior Research Engineer specializing in Additive Manufacturing Materials & Process. You will play a pivotal role in advancing aerospace technology by leading research and development initiatives focused on LPBF processes. Your expertise in materials science will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring high technical quality in projects. Join a dynamic team dedicated to sustainability and cutting-edge advancements in the aerospace industry, where your contributions will help shape the future of air travel. With ample opportunities for career growth and a commitment to diversity, this position is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus

Industry Leading Pension Scheme

Life Assurance 8 x salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Income protection

Cycle To Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace materials processing and testing.
• Strong analytical skills for problem-solving and results assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead material characterization tests and engage with external facilities.
• Develop and optimize LPBF processes for aerospace applications.

Skills

Material Processing Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Metallurgy Knowledge

Communication Skills

Additive Manufacturing Principles

Problem Solving

Project Management

Knowledge of Materials Testing Techniques

Education

Degree in Materials Science or Engineering

Tools

SEM/EDX

Metallographic Inspection Tools

Job description

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Senior Research Engineer- Additive Manufacturing Materials & Process, Bristol

Client:

GKN Aerospace

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

01e723fd70a4

Job Views:

10

Posted:

24.04.2025

Expiry Date:

08.06.2025

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 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

Situated within our £32m state of the art Global Technology Centre in Filton, Bristol a position has arisen for a Senior Research Engineer - AM Materials & Process within the Additive Manufacturing Powder Bed team. The Senior Research Engineer shall draw on their specialist knowledge of material science, and powder bed manufacturing to ensure research and development in the TRL1-6 range is innovative and of high technical quality. They have a track record of innovation, leading technical work, and are developing a professional network in their field. Their good communication skills shall enable them to confidently engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, including non-specialists. This role will specifically focus on the development of LPBF for aero engine applications so a background in this area or other high value manufacturing sector would be beneficial, but not essential to the role.

The candidate will be expected to own the delivery and execution of significant work packages focusing on development of the LPBF process for: large frame LPBF systems, new material systems, and feedstock types.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of material characterisation test campaigns across a range of both conventional and novel materials and feedstock types.
• Lead engagement with external testing facilities in the execution of test campaigns
• Undertake detailed metallographic inspection of samples, including cut, mount, polish and etch
• Lead LPBF process developed activities including process theme development and optimisation, thermal extremes studies, and process robustness investigation
• Undertake powder characterisation testing and reporting
• Generation of material and process development reports
• Interface directly with internal/external stakeholders and communicate technical content effectively
• Shall demonstrate a commitment to innovation and technical quality - leading to high quality Technology Readiness Level gates
• Shall drive maturity of technologies within AM materials and processes, and undertake technical problem solving, including support with operational issues from time to time
• Shall develop and maintain long-term ecosystem & academia relationships in the field for the benefit of the projects
• Shall ensure EHS policy and process adherence for their activities, and will contribute to a proactive EHS culture in the wider team
• Shall contribute to the development of GKN as a 'Great Place to Work', aligned with the core principles - safe, innovative, open & honest, care & respect, and ownership

Job Qualifications

• Working knowledge of materials processing, testing and measurement within the aerospace industry
• Demonstrated experience in the development or assessment of LPBF process themes for a variety of material systems.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to challenge results and problem solve
• Metallurgy and processing knowledge with understanding of material types, selection and performance assessment
• Knowledge of materials testing techniques for metallic materials i.e. tensile, LCF, HCF, Creep, Fracture Toughness etc.
• Knowledge of characterisation techniques such as microscopy, SEM/EDX, fractography
• Capability to work independently in team environment and manage multiple project responsibilities
• Understanding of broader manufacturing methods within the aerospace industry
• Clear, articulate communication skills including good written English
• Working as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and cross-borders team
• Confidence in interacting across all levels of the business.
• A good understanding of Additive Manufacturing principles and post processing requirements
• A good understanding of material selection for aero engine materials, specifically applications for titanium and nickel alloys
• Hands on experience with AM technologies
• Experience of working within an R&D environment with a focus on delivery to industry
• Prior experience working within the Aerospace industry or other high value manufacturing sector.
• Previous experience working to AMS, SAE, NADCAP standards

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Income protection
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where your career journey may take you!

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 are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.