At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies in aerospace.
- Company: Join GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and industry-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team pushing boundaries in aerospace technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification or equivalent experience in aerospace or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
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’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries.
We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies.
And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.
With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025.
There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
As a Research Engineer within the Additive Manufacturing team at our Global Technology Centre, you will support the development and industrialisation of additive manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes across the TRL 3-6 range.
Applying a structured, hands-on approach to problem solving, you will deliver technical work to plan, contribute to innovation and technology development programmes, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support future aerospace applications.
How You'll Contribute
The Research Engineer will contribute to the following
- Develop an understanding of additive manufacturing technologies, capability roadmaps, and aerospace requirements to support technology development activities.
- Support work package planning, budgeting, scheduling, and delivery activities.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps, Technology Development Plans, business cases and process improvement initiatives.
- Support and coordinate additive manufacturing operations as directed by the Additive Operations Lead, ensuring safe execution, on-time delivery, product conformity, and compliance with project requirements.
- Undertake development trials, experimental programmes, and technology demonstrations to mature AM materials, processes, and applications.
- Manage configuration and change control of materials, specifications, documentation, and manufacturing processes, ensuring complete traceability, product conformity, and compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements.
- Capture, analyse, and communicate technical results through high-quality reports and presentations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, suppliers, and academic partners to achieve project objectives.
- Support technology exploitation, industrialisation, innovation, and intellectual property generation activities.
- Drive EH&S compliance through the effective implementation of risk assessments and safe working instructions, fostering a proactive culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the growth of the Additive Manufacturing capability while demonstrating GKN's values of Safe, Ownership, Innovative, Open & Honest, and Care & Respect.
- What You'll Bring
To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Relevant accredited engineering qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience, in Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience of working in the Aerospace, or a similar regulated, industry.
- Awareness of additive manufacturing technologies, materials, process development, and industrialisation challenges.
- Logical and methodical approach to technical problem solving, with a delivery-focused mindset.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to deliver technical activities against agreed objectives and timescales.
- Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and achieve project objectives through effective engagement and knowledge sharing.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of presenting technical information and supporting internal and external project reviews.
- Demonstrates behaviours aligned with GKN's values of Safe, Ownership, Innovative, Open & Honest, and Care & Respect.
Desirable
- Higher degree qualification (MEng, MSc) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline.
- Understanding of project planning, budget management, and schedule delivery within a research and technology environment
- What We'll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
- 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
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities.
This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.
And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
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.
Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.
It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.
By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture in Bristol employer: GKN
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our East Cowes site where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development and continuous improvement, we provide ample opportunities for growth while fostering a culture that values teamwork and excellence in aerospace manufacturing. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving performance and making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture role you’re after at GKN.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at GKN a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at GKN.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture at GKN, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at GKN a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to GKN specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with GKN, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like GKN want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
