At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing for Aero-Engine components.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company focused on cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible hours, and extensive holiday leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace technology while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: B.Eng degree with 8 years of relevant experience in engineering and technology.
The successful candidate will take on the role of Principal Research Engineer (Work Stream Lead) for Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing of Aero-Engine components. The purpose of this role is to technically programme manage the execution of Additive Manufacturing Technology Development activities, leading to industrialisation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Engine technologies. The role includes responsibility for schedule, cost and risk control for all work performed in the work stream, working closely with the nominated Project Manager, Chief Technologist, and specialists across the business. Regular engagement with Customers will be required to align on technology maturation, qualification and certification. You will draw on your diverse engineering and/or technology development background and good business awareness to shape and manage research and development projects in the TRL3-6 range.
How You'll Contribute
- Project Delivery - In this role, you will be responsible for maturing laser powder bed fusion technology in support of our Engines business line strategy. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, you will develop Technology Development Plans and deliver them. You will be responsible for schedule, cost, and risk control.
- Technical Leadership - You will support your team by providing technical guidance, expertise, and sound judgement to develop laser powder bed fusion technologies in accordance with the GKN Aerospace Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) process.
- Team Leadership - You will have line management responsibility for a small UK-based team and will utilise resources and expertise from our sites in Sweden and India to achieve project deliverables.
- Supporting Technology Strategy - You will contribute to defining the GKN Aerospace Powder Bed technology development strategy, focusing on both near‑term exploitation opportunities and longer‑term developments.
- Stakeholder Engagement - You will create new relationships and sustain existing ones with customers and partners, including academia. You will influence both internal and external stakeholders to support the success of Additive Manufacturing.
- Cultural Leadership - You will promote GKN Aerospace as a Great Place to Work, adhering to our five principles: Safe, Innovative, Open & Honest, Respect & Care, and Ownership.
What You'll Bring
- Essential:
- Minimum B.Eng degree or equivalent with 8 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in, or demonstrable understanding of, metallic powder characterisation, DfAM, simulation, LPBF process parameter development, material testing, heat treatment, post‑processing and inspection.
- Ability to assess compliance to Company/Customer/Industry specifications and to collaborate to mature evolving requirements, translating both into robust development plans aligned to TRL progression.
- Awareness of Aerospace Qualification and Certification processes (APQP/PPAP and IQ/OQ/PQ).
- Experience in leading, coaching and mentoring multidisciplinary Engineering/Technology teams.
- Proven ability to influence across functional boundaries.
- Strong communication skills.
- Desirable:
- Project Management Qualification.
- An effective external network in Aerospace or Technology areas relevant to the role.
- Knowledge of GKN Aerospace products and aero engine structures across OEMs.
What We'll Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Up to 15% Bonus.
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12%).
- Life Assurance 8 x salary.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle To Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
Principal Research Engineer - Process Development employer: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment for the Principal Research Engineer role in the innovative field of Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a leading pension scheme and flexible working hours, and a culture that prioritises safety, innovation, and respect, GKN Aerospace fosters a collaborative atmosphere where your contributions directly impact the future of aerospace technology.
Contact Details:
GKN Aerospace Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research Engineer - Process Development
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with GKN Aerospace Services Limited for a Principal Research Engineer - Process Development. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Engineer - Process Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at GKN Aerospace Services Limited, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At GKN Aerospace Services Limited, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace Services Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with GKN Aerospace Services Limited.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with GKN Aerospace Services Limited. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like GKN Aerospace Services Limited love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
