Principal Research Engineer (Fuel Feed)

Job Summary

GKN is actively engaged in a series of major, multi £M development programmes with the long term aim of enabling zero emission flight on a series of new aircraft programmes.  We want to enable the complete electrification of Aircraft powered by Liquid Hydrogen, Fuel cells and Cryogenically cooled networks and motors. As such we’ve already built up a significant capability with an international team of over 70 specialist Engineers working on Liquid Hydrogen based propulsion systems, including storage (tanks), Fuel management, Fuel cells, Electrical networks, Motors and Inverters, with Cryogenics being an enabling technology. 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 win more programmes and the market accelerates.
 

We are seeking to recruit a Principal Research Engineer – Fuel Feed Lead to join a growing team developing novel liquid hydrogen fuel systems for aerospace applications. You will be responsible for the delivery of fuel feed technologies that will guide the development of key products for GKN Aerospace and partners. A candidate comfortable working in an uncertain R+D environment with a strong background in aerospace fuel system development is preferred.
 

Job Responsibilities

• Leadership of a multidisciplinary team in a matrix organisation, with uncertain requirements / solutions
• Work with the Technology Project Manager to define and deliver key programme milestones related to the hydrogen fuel feed sub-system
• Lead the development of system requirements through the design into a validated physical product, including requirements management, safety, risk assessment, and compliance
• Supervise members of the engineering team, lead reviews, and peer review technical deliverables
• Support technology strategy development by providing insights on products, the state of the art, key partners and supporting competitor analysis
• Actively participate in guiding and coaching others, supporting the mission to grow and sustain a world-class research capability
• Sustain and create positive relationships with customers and partners including academia
• Provide technical guidance and steering, whilst ensuring adherence to GKN Aerospace Engineering and Technology processes (e.g. the Technology Readiness Assessment Process)
• Organise and host technical and project progress reviews with direct reports, owning the planning, progress and deliverables of the team

How You'll Contribute

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:

Essential:

• Degree in Engineering or Physics with significant content in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials
• Experience of planning and managing research projects
• Experience of product development lifecycle for cryogenic equipment including concept definition, design/drawing development and review
• Experience reviewing and approving designs, leading design reviews
• Experience in use of international standards, design practices, certification requirements and means of compliance

Desirable:

• Higher degree in a relevant field
• Have, or are working towards, professional accreditation such as CEng
• An understanding or appreciation of cryogenic, hydrogen systems and / or high / ultra-high vacuum systems would be advantageous

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do. To be successful in this role you will have excellent verbal communication skills, with ability to present to a variety of audiences along with outstanding technical report writing skills. You will be energetic and self-motivated with the ability to work independently when required.
 

What We'll Offer

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

• Competitive salary dependant on experience
• Opportunity to earn up to 15 %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!