Senior Research Engineer/Specialist - Composites Process Manufacturing Processes
At a glance
Senior AI Research role at GKN Aerospace. Bristol · no salary stated · we estimate £78,230–£127,625 across the United Kingdom.
GKN Aerospace has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Help set technical direction for composite projects, aligning the work with the needs of target products
- Plan delivery by managing budgets and schedules and preparing technology plans and business cases
- Lead hands-on trials and testing, then turn results into clear technical documentation
- Move research projects toward industrial use, working with internal teams, customers and supply-chain partners
- Develop colleagues and support a safe, inclusive workplace; the role may include line management
What you bring
- You have practical experience with composite manufacturing in production or an industrial research setting
- You bring strong knowledge of carbon fibre processing and aerospace composite materials, including fibres, resins or core materials
- You understand composite process control, repeatability, variation and defect reduction
- You have helped develop composite structures, including tooling, layup or forming technologies, monitoring, and production equipment
Who this fits
This role suits a senior engineer who can lead technical work from early research through trials and toward industrial application. You’ll work with internal and external stakeholders, and may manage team members or deployed resources.
From the employer
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Senior Research Engineer – with a background in advanced composite manufacturing process development to help shape the future of flight. You will be an integral member of the GTC technology team working on developing advanced composite manufacturing processes for current and future wing applications. We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented individuals with the skills and passion to become future leaders in what they do.
As a Senior Research Engineer you will draw on your diverse engineering background and product lifecycle awareness to progress a variety of research activity in the TRL1-6 range. You must have sound experience in leading technical work, including budgeting, schedule and risk management. You will be capable of achieving through others internally and externally, and you will be committed to development of your own skills and professional network. Your good communication skills shall enable you to confidently engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
How You'll Contribute
The Senior Research Engineer will contribute to the following:
- Contribute to shaping and delivery of project strategy, integrating cross-functional expertise and understanding the strategic direction for target products.
- Plan and manage delivery, including budgets, schedules, and preparation of Technology Development Plans and Technology Business Cases.
- Lead development activities, from hands-on testing and trials through to high-quality technical documentation.
- Drive projects to exploitation, supporting development toward industrialisation and real-world application.
- Engage stakeholders and partners, build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external partners, customers, and the supply chain.
- Support and develop people while fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing working environment. You may be responsible for line management of Technology team members or have management of deployed resources
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:
Technical Specific requirements :
You will have experience and knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods, including:
- Good technical knowledge in one or more advanced composite manufacturing processes (e.g. Resin Transfer Moulding, automated layup, fibre placement/tape laying) for application for medium to large-scale aerospace structures, with relevant experience from other industries also welcomed.
- Experience contributing to the development and delivery of composite structures, including tooling concepts, forming/ layup technologies, in-process monitoring, and manufacturing systems and equipment.
- Good understanding of process control, repeatability, and statistical variation for composite manufacturing.
- Experience collaborating with tooling engineers and others on mould/ tool design, material deposition strategies, and thermal/ process management.
- Knowledge of common composite manufacturing defects (e.g. porosity, fibre misalignment, dry areas, wrinkles) and mitigation approaches.
- Hands-on experience supporting composite manufacturing in a production or industrial R&D environment.
- Detailed knowledge of carbon fibre materials and processing options, across manual and automated processing methods.
- Strong understanding of aerospace-grade composite systems, including fibres, resins, and core materials
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
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re 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.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.