Senior Research Engineer - Composite Manufacturing Processes

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to innovate in composite manufacturing processes. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that contribute to sustainable aerospace solutions. With a focus on automation and design for manufacture, you'll lead diverse teams and manage complex budgets while developing advanced manufacturing techniques. Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and collaboration, and take your career to new heights in the aerospace sector. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of air travel and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Up to 15% bonus opportunity

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance (8x salary)

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Income protection

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in composite manufacturing process development.
• Experience managing budgets and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop project strategies integrating input from specialists.
• Manage budgets for work streams or packages.
• Produce high-quality technical documentation.

Skills

Composite Process Development

Budget Management

Technical Documentation

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

Accredited Engineering Degree

Equivalent Experience in Aerospace

Tools

Oven/Autoclave Programming

Laser Ply Projection

NDT Techniques

Job description

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Senior Research Engineer - Composite Manufacturing Processes, Bristol

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Client:

GKN Aerospace

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

774ad9c3a462

Job Views:

20

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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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 in Filton, Bristol, and as a result of internal promotion and continued growth, a position has arisen for a Senior Research Engineer in Composite Manufacturing Processes, with a background in advanced composite manufacturing process development. You will be an integral part of the GTC technology team, working on developing advanced composite manufacturing processes for current and future wing applications. We seek talented individuals with the skills and passion to become future leaders in this field.

As a Senior Research Engineer, you will leverage your diverse engineering background and product lifecycle awareness to advance research activities in the TRL1-6 range. You must have proven experience in leading technical work, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. You will be capable of achieving results through others, both internally and externally, and committed to developing your skills and professional network. Good communication skills are essential for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

The Programme

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

Focus areas include:

• Automation
• Design for Manufacture
• Skills Development

aimed at reducing costs and carbon footprint, supporting high-rate production for civil aircraft and future mobility markets.

Key outputs include:

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

Job Responsibilities

• Develop project strategies, integrating input from multiple specialists.
• Manage budgets for a Work Stream or Work Package.
• Contribute to planning and funding proposals.
• Prepare Technology Development Plans and Business Cases.
• Maintain accurate planning documentation and schedule accountability.
• Support or lead development tests and trials.
• Produce high-quality technical documentation.
• Manage or support team members, including PDP processes.
• Drive projects toward industrialization and exploitation.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and supply chain partners.
• Ensure adherence to EH&S policies, promoting a safety culture.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

What We're Looking For:

Ideal candidates will have:

• An accredited engineering degree or equivalent experience in composite process development, preferably in aerospace.
• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods, including manual and automated processes.
• Understanding of aerospace composite design requirements and design for manufacture principles.
• Strategic thinking and broad engineering knowledge.
• Experience managing budgets and teams, including direct reports or deployed resources.
• Experience with oven/autoclave programming, resin processing, laser ply projection, and automated processing techniques.
• Experience in post-processing, metrology, NDT, RTM, resin infusion, and prepreg techniques.
• Relevant industry background, aerospace preferred but not essential.

What We'll Offer:

Benefits include:

• Up to 15% bonus opportunity
• Industry-leading pension scheme with contributions up to 8%
• Life assurance (8x salary)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Income protection, Cycle to Work, Employee Assistance

We support your career growth with learning and development opportunities, aiming to help you reach new heights in the aerospace industry.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

GKN values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where everyone can contribute and bring their full selves to work. We are committed to accessible recruitment and providing reasonable adjustments during our hiring process.

Join us to shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.