Research Engineer - Additive Manufacture

Job Summary

As a Research Engineer within the Additive Manufacturing team at our Global Technology Centre, you will support the development and industrialisation of additive manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes across the TRL 3-6 range. Applying a structured, hands-on approach to problem solving, you will deliver technical work to plan, contribute to innovation and technology development programmes, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support future aerospace applications.

How You'll Contribute

The Research Engineer will contribute to the following:

• Develop an understanding of additive manufacturing technologies, capability roadmaps, and aerospace requirements to support technology development activities.
• Support work package planning, budgeting, scheduling, and delivery activities.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, Technology Development Plans, business cases and process improvement initiatives.
• Support and coordinate additive manufacturing operations as directed by the Additive Operations Lead, ensuring safe execution, on-time delivery, product conformity, and compliance with project requirements.
• Undertake development trials, experimental programmes, and technology demonstrations to mature AM materials, processes, and applications.
• Manage configuration and change control of materials, specifications, documentation, and manufacturing processes, ensuring complete traceability, product conformity, and compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Capture, analyse, and communicate technical results through high-quality reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, suppliers, and academic partners to achieve project objectives.
• Support technology exploitation, industrialisation, innovation, and intellectual property generation activities.
• Drive EH&S compliance through the effective implementation of risk assessments and safe working instructions, fostering a proactive culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the growth of the Additive Manufacturing capability while demonstrating GKN's values of Safe, Ownership, Innovative, Open & Honest, and Care & Respect.

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:

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Relevant accredited engineering qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience, in Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience of working in the Aerospace, or a similar regulated, industry.
• Awareness of additive manufacturing technologies, materials, process development, and industrialisation challenges.
• Logical and methodical approach to technical problem solving, with a delivery-focused mindset.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to deliver technical activities against agreed objectives and timescales.
• Able to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and achieve project objectives through effective engagement and knowledge sharing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of presenting technical information and supporting internal and external project reviews.
• Demonstrates behaviours aligned with GKN's values of Safe, Ownership, Innovative, Open & Honest, and Care & Respect.

Desirable:

• Higher degree qualification (MEng, MSc) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline.
• Understanding of project planning, budget management, and schedule delivery within a research and technology environment

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
• 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
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment