Research Specialist Special Coatings Technology in Luton

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 are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies.

We’re looking for a Research Specialist - Special Coatings Technology to join our coatings development team based at our Luton Manufacturing facility, to support the development of next generation high performance transparency polymer coatings, icephobic coatings and coating manufacturing processes.

As a Research Specialist, you will bring your knowledge in polymer coatings development, processing, application and coating testing techniques to deliver high-impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–7. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that all research outputs are technically robust, innovative, and aligned with our broader engineering and sustainability goals.

You will also be responsible for providing support to existing programmes within your field of expertise, helping to resolve manufacturing issues and supporting continuous improvement efforts. You will have a track record of delivering high quality technical work, with experience of working within a project environment. You will have good written and oral communication skills, and be confident working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including non-technical colleagues.

As this is a research role, we are looking for a hands-on innovative thinker; your work should push the boundaries of conventional coating technologies, application and evaluation/testing techniques.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for the technical delivery of allocated project tasks, deliverables, or project work packages, ensuring the research objectives have been satisfied.
• Support or lead any necessary 'hands on' development test work and development trials that are required to meet project objectives.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans, Project definitions and may support creation of Technology Business Cases and external funding proposals as required.
• Support project stakeholder engagement activities including customer presentations and reviews, and you may lead management of supply chain partners activities in some cases.
• Ensure EHS policy and process adherence for your activities, and contribute to a proactive EHS culture in the wider team.

What You'll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• A relevant, accredited Chemistry / Materials/ Coatings based degree.
• Knowledge / Experience of coating development, application technology and materials testing.
• Experience of test/experimental design, and practical execution in laboratory or test facility conditions to defined standards.
• Logical and methodical approach to task planning.
• Good report writing and presentation skills.

Desirable:

• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD.
• An awareness of aerospace certification requirements.

The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. The successful candidate should have a broad interest in Aerospace engineering with an understanding of Polymer materials chemistry & processing, ideally from coatings development perspective, and with technical experience of working within a laboratory environment.

Your proactive nature will enable you to understand and adapt to new technology areas quickly. Your good communication skills shall enable you to confidently engage with a wide variety of internal stakeholders. The successful candidate should be adaptable in their approach to work, and be willing to understudy other team members in their areas of expertise to ensure project objectives are met.

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.
• 185 hours holiday + bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle To Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
• Free onsite parking.
• Local gym discount.
• Free airport parking.
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting.
• Enhanced family friendly leave.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

Join us and keep the world moving. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment.