Research Engineer Digital Simulations
Date: Jun 6, 2025
Location: Papendrecht, NL
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
The vacancy: Research Engineer Digital Simulations
We are looking for a Research Engineer for the Technology (R&T) department based in Papendrecht!
This is a global role focused on managing, developing and demonstrating near-term, high-impact technology projects up to TRL 6. The work includes creating requirements, building a knowledge base, selecting appropriate technologies and leading demonstrations. You will also provide hands-on support and technical expertise to the business during the implementation phase.
As a Research Engineer you will focus on the development and implementation of digital solutions to support the manufacturing of our products (digital and simulation technologies, industry 4.0 and beyond). The projects are based at the manufacturing site of Papendrecht, however, we cooperate with SAMXL, part of TU Delft University, to work on the research of the developing solutions.
As Research Engineer, you will work for the Digital and Simulation technology cluster, which is responsible for demonstrating and deploying technology solutions across GKN Aerospace’s product lines. This cluster is emphasizing on the integration of the developed technologies into the business aiming to improve Health and Safety, Productivity, Quality and Sustainability. Depending on the business needs, you might have the opportunity to contribute to other areas of automation and digitalization within our global R&T programs.
What You'll Do
- Develop and execute technology projects,
- Build relationships with key stakeholders ensuring support for the projects across the business,
- Complete technical tasks throughout the duration of projects focused on automation and digitalization of our manufacturing processes like assembly, fabrication and machining,
- Collect and integrate a robust set of business/technology requirements for the specific technology project,
- Develop the case for technology introduction for the point of value and risk, finding agreement with the business in line with the Technology Readiness Level process,
- Produce all supporting project documentation (presentations, for technology communication and reporting, technology development plans, test definitions, technical reports, equipment specifications, and CapEx case),
- Contribute to the development and the upkeep of a technology database that will be used to capture, communicate and evaluate the value and risk of current technologies available internally and externally to GKN Aerospace,
- Support building relationships within the current transnational Civil Airframe eco system and technology supply chain,
- Support challenging internal & supplier costs, whilst working to a tight budget,
- Ensure program impact and risks are thoroughly evaluated through the Technology Readiness Assessment process and regular project reviews.
What You'll Bring
- BSc or higher in engineering or experience of demonstrable equivalent,
- 4+ years’ experience in a similar role,
- Good technical understanding across a broad range of aerospace technologies, automation of manufacturing processes and digital (industry 4.0),
- Familiarity with Digital Twin and Industry 4.0 Technologies: understanding and application, integration of IoT, sensor data and real time analytics,
- Experience in Data Analytics and Digital Tools (e.g. Python, Power BI, MATLAB, R, etc.),
- Experience of CAD (preferably CATIA and/or NX) and understanding of PLM,
- Basic knowledge of robotics, automation systems and control engineering,
- Proven ability to manage individual projects to time, cost and quality targets,
- Team player and collaborator, honed interpersonal skills,
- Creative and forward thinking in all work aspects,
- Ability to product clear and concise reports of project status and progress,
- Flexible with working hours when tight deadlines arise,
- Proactive, self-driven, and resourceful,
- Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders,
- Experienced in working with multicultural, multidisciplinary teams,
- Living near Papendrecht/Delft.
What We'll Offer
Our organization demonstrates passion for innovation and our employees are rightly proud for what we engineer and build. This is truly a challenging work environment: a role where you contribute as an individual but also as a member of a diverse and international team of experts. At GKN Aerospace, we not only provide you with the tools to perform at the best of your capabilities, but we also support and promote your technical and personal development.
Furthermore, we offer to you:
- A gross monthly salary up to € 6.183,- based on the CLA Metalektro and in line with your experience and qualifications,
- 8% holiday allowance,
- 40/42 paid holidays for full-time employment,
- Working conditions according to the CLA Metalektro, including an excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance,
- A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers in a pleasant atmosphere.
Next to a competitive package, we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will 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 are on board, you never know where your career journey may take you!
Extra info
Are you interested in the role? You can apply by clicking on the 'apply' button and attaching your CV. For questions you can contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist Marina Monogyiou at marina.monogyiou@fokker.com
Our selection process includes a screening call with our Talent Acquisition Specialist and 1-2 online / F2F interviews with the hiring manager and the team members. We are also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process, please get in touch and let us know.
Part of the selection procedure is carrying out the necessary checks and screenings in order to meet the requirements set by GKN Fokker's customers, partners and suppliers within the program. The checks and screenings will be assessed on the basis of frameworks set by our Export Compliance & Security department. Every employee within GKN Fokker must ultimately be authorized to give substance to his or her position. Assessment of checks and screenings can lead to the fact that no content can be given to the position and therefore no employment or deployment can follow. The onboarding time at GKN Fokker Aerospace usually takes +/- 3 weeks.
Be part of our journey!
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