Senior Engineer - Materials & Processes in Luton

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 are inspired by the opportunity 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, opening up and protecting our planet. 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. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

As a Senior Engineer – Materials & Processes, you will support the production and development of next‑generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products at our Luton manufacturing plant. You will be part of the Materials, Coatings and Test (MCT) team within the wider Engineering and Technology department and report to the Functional Team Leader.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing processes for polymer, composite and adhesive materials.
• Qualify materials and processes to assure compliance with requirements.
• Assess deviations from specified material and process requirements to maintain airworthiness.
• Support robust manufacturing process technologies applied to materials.
• Collect inputs related to tasks and deliver outputs that meet quality and schedule requirements.
• Coordinate material obsolescence and REACh activities, providing support and advice locally and to other GKN sites.
• Lead small project material obsolescence replacement activities, including investigation, reporting, customer engagement and implementation into production.
• Prepare and guide tests/test plans; critically interpret and analyse test data to substantiate specification changes.
• Troubleshoot and provide production support on material issues (e.g., composites, polymers, bonding, surface treatments).
• Contribute to GKN’s culture of safety, innovation, openness, respect and ownership.

What You’ll Bring

Essential:

• Degree in Composite or Polymer Materials Science or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in polymer and composite material science and processing.
• Experience within an industrial engineering discipline, preferably aerospace, automotive, marine or energy sectors.
• Experience with quality systems, specifications, standards and the ability to oversee the broader field.
• Good command of English, both verbal and written.

Desirable:

• Planning work through formal project management processes, including scheduling and budgeting, and leading a team to successful delivery.
• Aware of aerospace certification requirements.
• Higher degree qualification (Masters, PhD or EngD) within aerospace, automotive, marine or energy sectors.
• Familiarity with REACh environmental legislation.

What We’ll Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus.
• Industry leading pension scheme with a well‑match of your contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis.
• Life assurance 8× salary.
• 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP clinic for you and your immediate family.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Local gym discount.
• Free airport parking.
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). Applicants must normally have been resident in the UK for a minimum of five years, though each case is assessed individually. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.