At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to innovate in composite manufacturing for aerospace.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in sustainable air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Exciting challenges, top-notch training, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to revolutionise air travel and protect our planet.
- Qualifications: Degree in Material Science or relevant experience in composites engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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
Based in our thriving manufacturing centre of excellence, the Associate Materials Engineering will join a busy team specialising in providing composite manufacturing engineering capability to operational and developmental programmes to enable and deliver zero defect projects utilising engineering and problem solving skills, whilst being accountable for delivering robust, capable manufacturing process technology as it applies to materials and processes.
This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with the right skills and educational background to develop a very rewarding career within the Aerospace Manufacturing Industry
Job Responsibilities
The post holder will be specifrically responsible for monitoring of composite production, by both test and audit, ensuring robust process selection, implementation & control.
They will support the delivery and deployment of a robust, repeatable and reliable composite manufacturing process that meets all the requirements of the Business and our customers.
- Authorised Stamp Holder (MLSR).
- Responsible for the implementation of materials & process methods and solutions, from original concept through to production.
- Deploy these processes with a high degree of process capability utilizing the GKN standard Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite to demonstrate as such.
- Responsible for technical support of manufacturing development and integration for production.
Resolve issues pertaining to vendor quality.
- Provide specialist knowledge to production activities with the ultimate goal of improving efficiency, product quality and the reduction of non-conforming parts.
- Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
- Responsible for the development of technical solutions to complex problems within GKN Aerospace, our customers and suppliers.
- Deliver technical support of manufacturing process development and integration for production.
- Utilise root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
- Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
- Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives.
- Job Qualifications
- Material Science degree (or equivalent) or significant related industry experience
- A sound background in composite materials engineering and in working on complex projects, including knowledge of processing methods in composites manufacturing;
- Experience of continuous improvement and Lean management.
- Proactive in regard to new developments of expertise required.
- Good interpersonal skills, with effective team working and the capability of interfacing professionally with customers and suppliers.
- Proven ability to work and to deliver under own initiative
- Ability to manage and to coordinate internal/external customer requirements.
- Achieving delivery to time cost and quality.
- PC literate – MS office programs
- Self-motivated, resourceful, strong minded and committed.
- Flexible and capable of working in a complex 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.
Associate Materials Engineer (Composites) in Cowes 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 Associate Materials Engineer (Composites) in Cowes
✨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 for a Associate Materials Engineer (Composites). 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 Associate Materials Engineer (Composites) in Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at GKN, 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, 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
✨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.
✨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. 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 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
