Chief Engineer (Hydrogen Propulsion Systems -Flight Trial)

Job Summary

GKN is actively engaged in a series of strategic high value development programmes aimed at enabling sustainable aviation and ultimately a zero emission flight solution for large aircraft platforms.   As such, we’ve built up a significant technical capability with a diverse, international team of specialist engineers and technologists, based largely at our Global Technology Centre in Bristol (UK).   The team is working on the development and certification of liquid hydrogen based electrical fuel cell propulsion systems, including LH2 fuel storage and management, fuel cell power generation and distribution and then cryogenic electrical drive technologies.

This ground breaking technology is maturing rapidly and we’re searching for specialist engineers and scientists who want to work with us in this rapidly changing, dynamic, multifunctional environment to help us push further and faster as we secure our route to flight demonstration and commercial exploitation.  We have technology foundation programmes currently live in fuel systems (HYFIVE) and power propulsion systems (H2GEAR) and we are now launching a FLIGHT TRIAL team with the objective of combining the output from those programmes on a flight trial application. 

Working alongside the existing Chief Engineers, this challenging Chief Engineering role is specifically aimed at the technical delivery of that flight programme. 

Job Responsibilities

•    Act as technical authority for the flight test programme
•    Act as primary technical focal point for the programme and any external customer, partner and/or supplier for all technical Issues
•    Accountability of all programme technical deliverables against agreed schedule and cost objectives (including technology maturity, manufacturability, qualification and certification requirements) 
•    Technical Leadership functionally and product wise in accordance with the lifecycle management process (Engineering Design Reviews)
•    Ability to perform any delegated tasking from the Office of Airworthiness
•    Support Programme Level technical management, to include

1.         Drafting and delivery of ground based test plans
2.         Drafting and delivery of flight test plans
3.         Technical risk management at programme level
4.         Project Engineering Plan (PEP) and Engineering Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) derivation and management
5.         Management of technical change & scope control

•    Provide day-to-day technical direction and leadership to the Engineering and Technology Team (Engineering Work Stream Team Lead(s) and/or Technical Project Leads and/or Engineers)
•    Management of engineering resources required
•    Management of any equipment/test requirements
•    Effective knowledge management
•    Support of the functional heads in the PDP Process (Job Appraisals, Career Development Reviews)

How You'll Contribute

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your expertise, experience and passion in line with the required attributes detailed below:

Essential:

•    Bachelor or Master Degree in Engineering
•    Proven technical experience in the development and certification of experimental flight based hardware
•    Proven technical capability in aerospace power propulsion systems, or significant aspects thereof
•    Previously held technical approval authority (i.e. is recognized as having appropriate technical seniority) 
•    International experience of working in a collaborative technical environment

Desirable:

•    Technical experience of hydrogen based propulsions electrical propulsion systems 
•    High level of interpersonal skills
•    Strong business and commercial awareness. 
•    Exceptional problem-solving abilities in technical and program management fields
•    Proven ability to influence at all levels in an organisation, both internally and externally

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependant on experience
• car allowance per annum
• fuel allowance per annum
• Opportunity to earn up to 22.5% bonus 
• Hybrid working – giving you the opportunity to balance home and office working
• 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
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment 

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly!  We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities.  That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!