Senior Design Engineer in Luton

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 are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We are proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do.

With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers.

Based at our Luton manufacturing plant, you will help us deliver operational excellence to our customers. Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. Our Luton site is home to 370+ employees and onsite facilities including parking, food hub and vending machines.

The Luton Engineering & Technology team is focused on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies and coatings, and specialist structures for both civil and defence applications.

We are looking for a Senior Design Engineer to join our Transparencies team to support new and existing programmes including Fast jet canopies, Helicopter Windscreens and Flight Deck Windows. This is more than a CAD role; as a Senior Design Engineer, you will represent design in an integrated product team and lead design activities/projects to support your product group.

Working across the product lifecycle, you will be involved in:

• New product development activities including requirements management, geometric design, materials selection, tooling, manufacturing process development and assembly methods, specifications, product verification, qualification and certification testing.
• Product sustaining activities including MRB, Customer concession management, manufacturing problem solving, Engineering change management and in-service technical support to our customers.
• Continuous improvement of products, processes, tools and design handbooks to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance to evolving customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements.

As a Senior Design Engineer within the Engineering and Technology Department, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and development projects within your field of expertise. You will have a track record of delivering high-quality technical work and possess project management skills. Good written and oral communication skills are essential, along with confidence in working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Core operational hours at our Luton site are Monday to Thursday, 07:30-16:30, and Friday, 07:30-12:30. Some flexibility may be available, subject to agreement with the manager. Occasional UK travel may be required to meet suppliers, customers, and visit other GKN Aerospace sites.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyse customer requirements and define technical solutions as input to bids and proposals within assigned programmes/projects.
• Develop, check and approve technical solutions and compliance documentation for work packages to ensure they are compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements.
• Identify and assess technical risks and propose mitigations relevant to the work package.
• Act as Lead Design Engineer in Integrated Program Teams (IPT) and Material Review Board (MRB).
• Define and validate test methods and/or alternate means of compliance as required.
• Create, check and approve documents such as permits, concessions, rework schemes and provide technical support by implementing solutions to address non-conforming products.
• Lead design activities for internal and external technical reviews including formal gate reviews.
• Mentor, train and develop junior members of the team by providing technical guidance and support.

You should have a good understanding of the product development lifecycle, design practices and an interest in manufacturing. This is a hands-on role, and although product-oriented, the work will entail a high level of collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations.

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

• Hold an accredited relevant Engineering qualification at Bachelor level or equivalent.
• Strong self-starter, able to execute tasks according to plan.
• Logical and methodical approach to task planning.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience of creating models and drawings using CATIA V5.

We offer competitive salary dependent on experience, the opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus, industry-leading pension scheme, life assurance, holiday, income protection, shopping discounts, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, virtual GP clinic, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free onsite parking, local gym discount, free airport parking, enhanced family friendly leave, and a collaborative, dynamic working environment.

Join us and keep the world moving. 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.