Senior Research Engineer (Mechanical Engineering)

GKN; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace leader is seeking a Senior Research Engineer at their Luton site. The role involves delivering high-impact R&D projects related to aircraft ice protection systems and composites. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in materials science, FEA simulation, and project management. Expected skills include strong communication and report writing abilities, along with a relevant engineering degree. A competitive salary, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits are offered in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 15% bonus

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life Assurance 8x salary

185 hours holiday allowance

Income protection

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of material science characterisation and testing techniques.
• Experience with FEA simulation for structural and thermal analysis.
• Logical approach to solving complex engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver research projects and technical work packages.
• Coordinate testing and trials, ensuring safe work systems.
• Design work packages for third-party contributions towards projects.

Skills

Materials science characterisation

FEA for structural analysis

Report writing

Project management

Problem-solving

Customer requirement translation

Education

Accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials degree

Higher degree such as Masters, PhD or EngD

Tools

ANSYS

LS-DYNA

Abaqus

Job description

Overview

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel, going further, faster and greener. With over 16000 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 in 2023. Our Luton site is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies, employing around 370 people.

Job Summary

Based at our Luton manufacturing plant, you’ll help us deliver operational excellence to our customers. The Luton Engineering & Technology team focuses on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies, functional coatings and specialist structures for civil and defence applications. We’re looking for a Senior Research Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering background to support the development of next‑generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products.

As a Senior Research Engineer you’ll bring specialist knowledge in materials science and FEA simulation to deliver high‑impact R&D across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–7. You will ensure research outputs are technically robust, innovative and aligned with our engineering and sustainability goals, and provide specialist support to existing programmes to resolve manufacturing issues and support continuous improvement. You should have a proven track record of leading technical work and experience with formal project management processes including budgeting, scheduling and risk management. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders are essential.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and technically deliver allocated projects and work packages to satisfy research objectives.
• Coordinate hands-on development, testing and trials to meet delivery objectives, ensuring safe systems of work.
• Design external work packages for third parties to meet project objectives.
• Contribute to or lead technical documentation, reports and reviews.
• Understand and contribute to the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing process technologies.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within your projects.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with internal/external customers; may lead management of supply chain partners.
• Develop and deliver a personal development plan aligned with GKN’s Technical Excellence Framework (TEF).
• Support a culture aligned with GKN values: safety, innovation, openness, care and respect, and ownership.

What You’ll Bring

Essential:

• A relevant accredited Engineering / Physics / Materials degree
• Experience in material science characterisation and testing techniques
• Strong knowledge and experience of FEA for structural and thermal analysis
• Ability to translate customer requirements and operational needs into product characteristics
• Strong report writing and presentation skills
• Logical and methodical approach to problem-solving
• Ability to plan work through formal project management processes including scheduling and budgeting

Desirable:

• A higher degree such as a Masters, PhD or EngD
• Experience of dynamic FEA simulation
• Experience with ANSYS, LS-DYNA and/or Abaqus
• Aware of aerospace certification requirements
• Data-driven problem solving techniques
• Broad interest in aerospace engineering with understanding of material technologies including testing and characterisation
• Experience in composites and thermoplastics; FEA analytic techniques in predicting behavior of complex components
• Strong communication skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders

Other requirements: the ability to obtain UK Security Clearance is essential for this role.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• The opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus
• Industry-leading pension scheme (employer contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis)
• Life Assurance 8x salary
• Holiday allowance and benefits (185 hours holiday + bank holidays)
• Income protection, employee discounts, Cycle to Work, and other wellbeing perks
• Onsite parking and local gym discounts
• Supportive, collaborative work environment and opportunities for career progression

Inclusive culture

GKN is committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. We welcome all applicants and offer accessible recruitment processes with reasonable adjustments on request.

Join us and keep the world moving. Click on the link below to apply.

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