Principal Research Engineer - Process Development

Job Summary

The successful candidate will take on the role of Principal Research Engineer (Work Stream Lead) for Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing of Aero-Engine components.

The purpose of this role is to technically programme manage the execution of Additive Manufacturing Technology Development activities, leading to industrialisation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Engine technologies. The role includes responsibility for schedule, cost and risk control for all work performed in the work stream, working closely with the nominated Project Manager, Chief Technologist, and specialists across the business. Regular engagement with Customers will be required to align on technology maturation, qualification and certification. You will draw on your diverse engineering and/or technology development background and good business awareness to shape and manage research and development projects in the TRL3-6 range.

You will provide technical leadership to the work stream and be experienced in either/both of the following: Leadership of additive manufacturing process development and/or leadership of metallic technology development for Aero Engine applications.

The role is based at GKN's Global Technology Centre and offers a hybrid working pattern.

How You'll Contribute

The Principal Research Engineer will contribute to the following:

• Project Delivery – In this role, you will be responsible for maturing laser powder bed fusion technology in support of our Engines business line strategy. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, you will develop Technology Development Plans and deliver them. You will be responsible for schedule, cost, and risk control.
• Technical Leadership – You will support your team by providing technical guidance, expertise, and sound judgement to develop laser powder bed fusion technologies in accordance with the GKN Aerospace Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) process.
• Team Leadership – You will have line management responsibility for a small UK-based team and will utilise resources and expertise from our sites in Sweden and India to achieve project deliverables.
• Supporting Technology Strategy – You will contribute to defining the GKN Aerospace Powder Bed technology development strategy, focusing on both near-term exploitation opportunities and longer-term developments.
• Stakeholder Engagement – You will create new relationships and sustain existing ones with customers and partners, including academia. You will influence both internal and external stakeholders to support the success of Additive Manufacturing.
• Cultural Leadership – You will promote GKN Aerospace as a ‘Great Place to Work’, adhering to our five principles: Safe, Innovative, Open & Honest, Respect & Care, and Ownership

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:

Essential:

• Minimum B.Eng degree or equivalent with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in, or demonstrable understanding of, metallic powder characterisation, DfAM, simulation, LPBF process parameter development, material testing, heat treatment, post-processing and inspection.
• Ability to assess compliance to Company/Customer/Industry specifications and to collaborate to mature evolving requirements, translating both into robust development plans aligned to TRL progression.
• Awareness of Aerospace Qualification and Certification processes (APQP/PPAP and IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Experience in leading, coaching and mentoring multidisciplinary Engineering/Technology teams.
• Proven ability to influence across functional boundaries
• Strong communication skills

Desirable:

• Project Management Qualification
• An effective external network in Aerospace or Technology areas relevant to the role
• Knowledge of GKN Aerospace products and aero engine structures across OEMs

What We'll Offer

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

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Up to 15% Bonus
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12%)
• 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