Senior Research Engineer, Process Innovation & Development

GKN Aerospace; Watford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Up to 15% bonus

Industry Leading Pension Scheme

Life Assurance 8 x salary

185 hours holiday + bank holidays

Income protection

Shopping discounts

Cycle To Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP Clinic

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Free onsite parking

Local gym discount

Free airport parking

Enhanced family friendly leave

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Senior Research Engineer (Process Development) based at the Luton site to progress diverse research activity in the TRL1-6 range. You will lead technical work, budgeting, scheduling and risk management, and engage with internal/external stakeholders.

You will drive development plans, contribute to funding proposals, and ensure adherence to EHS policies while supporting personal and organizational growth within a global aerospace leader.

Qualifications

• A relevant, accredited Engineering or Science based degree OR relevant industry experience.
• Good general engineering/technology knowledge base and can demonstrate strategic thinking.
• Experience managing budgets on a work package level or smaller Work Streams.
• Good working knowledge of general industrial manufacturing processes, and an interest in understanding new and emerging techniques.
• Good working knowledge of AS9145 APQP/PPAP requirements and tools supporting Zero Defect Manufacturing approaches.
• Good working knowledge of Lean manufacturing philosophies and Six Sigma / Statistical techniques for process control and problem solving.
• Logical and methodical approach to work package planning and costing.
• A strong self-starter, competent to work with general goal-based direction as well as more specific task-based requirements.
• Experience managing deployed resources (people you lead but you are not their line manager).
• Experience engaging with production teams and you can identify operational requirements and incorporate in to your project(s) as appropriate and as agreed.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and can confidently translate complex information to a variety of audiences and you are able to represent your project(s) and GKN values in internal/external review meetings

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the technical delivery of allocated project deliverables, or project work packages, ensuring the research objectives have been satisfied.
• Support or lead any necessary 'hands on' development test work and development trials that are required to meet your Work Package/Work Stream delivery objectives.
• Support or lead the design of external work packages to be carried out by third parties to meet project research objectives.
• Responsible for accurately capturing and recording data and results from test work and development trials.
• Responsible for raising and issuing high quality and detailed technical documentation.
• Seek to understand the strategic direction of the target products or manufacturing process technologies being developed within your project(s).
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases within your project(s).
• Contribute to multi-year planning and internal/external funding proposals as required.
• Suggest and explore exploitation routes, aligned with the guidance of the Work Stream Lead.
• You may support project stakeholder management with internal/external customers, and you may lead management of supply chain partners in some cases.
• Take an active role in creating a personal development plan linked to GKN's TEF and will be responsible for delivering on agreed objectives supported by your line manager.
• Ensure EHS policy and process adherence for your activities, and you will contribute to a proactive EHS culture in the wider team.
• 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.

Skills

Engineering background

Budget management

Manufacturing processes

APQP/PPAP

Lean & Six Sigma

Planning & costing

Self-starter

Leading project work

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Engineering or Science degree

Masters/PhD/EngD (desirable)

Job description

GKN Aerospace is seeking a Senior Research Engineer (Process Development) based at the Luton site to progress diverse research activity in the TRL1-6 range. You will lead technical work, budgeting, scheduling and risk management, and engage with internal/external stakeholders.

You will drive development plans, contribute to funding proposals, and ensure adherence to EHS policies while supporting personal and organizational growth within a global aerospace leader.