Overview

The Luton Engineering & Technology team is focussed on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies and coatings, and specialist structures for both civil and defence applications. We are looking for a Senior Design Engineer to join our Transparencies team to support new and existing programmes including Fast jet canopies, Helicopter Windscreens and Flight Deck Windows. As a Senior Design Engineer you will act as the design representative as part of an integrated product team, and lead design activities/projects to support your product group including the creation and maintenance of product definition and ensuring ongoing product performance against requirements. Working across the product lifecycle you will be involved in:

Responsibilities

• New product development activities including requirements management, geometric design, materials selection, tooling, manufacturing process development and assembly methods, specifications, product verification, qualification and certification testing.
• Product sustaining activities including MRB, customer concession management, manufacturing problem solving, engineering change management and in-service technical support to our customers as part of an Integrated Programme Team.
• Continuous improvement of products, processes, tools and design handbooks to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance with evolving customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements.
• Analyse customer requirements and define technical solutions as input to bids and proposals within assigned programmes/projects.
• Develop, check and approve technical solutions and compliance documentation for work packages to ensure they are compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements, within agreed programme, schedule, and manufacturing constraints.
• Identify and assess technical risks and propose mitigations relevant to the work package within assigned programmes/projects.
• Act as Lead Design Engineer in Integrated Program Teams (IPT) and Material Review Board (MRB).
• Define and validate test methods and/or alternate means of compliance (analysis/similarity) as required to demonstrate design solution complies with requirements.
• Create, check and approve documents such as permits, concessions, rework schemes and provide technical support by implementing solutions to address non-conforming products, designs, and compliance documentation.
• Lead design activities for internal and external technical reviews including formal gate reviews by creation and preparation of technical data and presentations of product design. You will be responsible for raising and issuing high quality and detailed technical documentation.
• Mentor, train and develop junior members of the team by providing technical guidance and support.
• You will contribute to the development of GKN as a 'Great Place to Work', aligned with the core principles - safe, innovative, open & honest, care & respect, and ownership.
• You will have a track record of delivering high quality technical work, and have project management skills. You will have good written and oral communication skills, and be confident working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including non-technical colleagues. You should have a good understanding of the product development lifecycle, design practices and an interest in manufacturing. This is a hands-on role, and although product oriented the work will entail a high level of collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations as part of an integrated programme team to ensure both technical and programme objectives are met.
• You should be adaptable in approach to work, and be willing to understudy other team members in their areas of responsibility to ensure overall department objectives are met. As a Senior Design Engineer, you will be naturally detail oriented and appreciate the need for procedural compliance to meet both regulatory requirements and maintain product safety. Your proactive nature will enable you to understand and adapt to new technology areas quickly. Your good communication skills shall enable you to confidently engage with a wide variety of internal stakeholders. You should seek to increase/deepen own technical knowledge through study, training, collaborative working and continual professional development. Able to travel as required by the position including internationally.
• You will be naturally curious, and show a strong interest in aviation and aerospace engineering technology.
• You will be a strong self-starter, able to execute tasks according to plan.
• You will have a logical and methodical approach to task planning and be able to demonstrate an evidence-based approach to decision making and problem solving.
• You will have good interpersonal and communication skills, able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team to meet objectives.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills, able to create clear, concise and accurate technical content.
• Experience of creating models and drawings using CATIA V5.
• Hold an accredited relevant Engineering qualification at Bachelor level or equivalent.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• The opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme – we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 185 hours holiday + bank holidays
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• Free onsite parking
• Local gym discount
• 50% off local travel card
• Free airport Dart
• Free airport parking
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting
• Enhanced family friendly leave
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment
• A Great Place to work and opportunities for career progression with learning and development opportunities

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging and to sustainable practices. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please get in touch.