Job Summary
It’s great to know you’re making a difference to the future of aviation! Whatever part you play, you’ll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers. Based at our Luton manufacturing plant, you will contribute to the design, analysis, testing, certification and manufacture of electro‑thermal ice protection systems and related components for over 20 programmes, including Boeing 787, Airbus A320, Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F‑22 Raptor.
Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. We offer a full range of capabilities—from design to production—supporting both civil and defence applications. The Luton site hosts 370+ employees and provides onsite parking, a food hub and vending machines.
As a Senior Systems Engineer (Electronics), you will draw on your diverse engineering background and product‑lifecycle awareness to work on research activities in the TRL 1‑6 range. You must have sound experience in leading technical work, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management, and be capable of achieving results through collaboration. Your proactive nature will enable you to understand and adapt to new technology areas quickly.
Security Clearance: The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). Applicants usually need to have been resident in the UK for at least five years.
Job Responsibilities
- Deliver technical project components and work packages, ensuring research objectives are met.
- Manage budget and schedule accountability for work streams or project packages.
- Support or lead hands‑on development test work and trials to meet delivery objectives.
- Design and manage external work packages for third‑party execution.
- Accurately capture and record data and results from tests and trials.
- Raise and issue high quality technical documentation.
- Understand the strategic direction of target products or manufacturing processes within the project(s).
- Prepare Technology Development Plans and Business Cases.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date planning documentation and ensure on‑track delivery.
- Explore exploitation routes in line with the Work Stream Lead’s guidance.
- Drive projects toward industrialisation and exploitation.
- Manage project stakeholder relationships, including supply‑chain partners when required.
- Create a personal development plan linked to GKN’s TEF and deliver agreed objectives.
- Adhere to EHS policy and contribute to a proactive EHS culture.
- Support GKN’s “Great Place to Work” initiatives, fostering an environment based on safety, innovation, openness, care and ownership.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- HNC, degree or equivalent in electrical or systems engineering.
- Experience delivering designs for electro‑mechanical, sensing or controller systems.
- Electronics PCB design experience.
- Good general engineering and technology knowledge base with strategic thinking.
- Working knowledge of aerodynamics and physics‑based modelling for thermodynamic analysis.
- Experience in test/experimental design and execution to defined standards.
- Strong self‑starter with a logical, methodical work approach.
- Experience managing deployed resources (not line‑managed).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to translate complex information to diverse audiences.
Desirable
- A higher‑degree qualification (Masters, PhD or EngD).
- Awareness of budget and schedule management.
- Understanding of aerospace certification requirements.
- Experience of the Systems Development Lifecycle process.
- Knowledge of key aerospace technology firms and professionals.
Benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus.
- Industry‑leading pension scheme with up to 8% employer match (1 : 1.5).
- Life assurance at 8 × salary.
- 185 hours of holiday plus bank holidays.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and your immediate family.
- Electric Vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme (insurance, servicing, maintenance and roadside assistance included).
- Free onsite parking.
- Local gym discount.
- Free airport parking.
- Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
