Principle Materials Engineer

Overview

Background, to join our materials and test team to support the production and development of next generation composite aero structures, ice protection and transparency products. The role will be based in the Materials, Coatings and Test (MCT) team within the wider Engineering and Technology department and report to the Functional Team Leader. The role as a Principle Materials Engineer will support the business and engineering team, with non polymer materials science and processing knowledge and guidance.

The role will provide a deep understanding of the interactions between processing parameters and material properties of composites, Acrylics, Polycarbonates and adhesives, being able to guide and make decisions on new technology test plans and current production deviations.

There will be occasional travel, national and international, required to support customer visits and other GKN sites. You will also support the work of the business to establish safe working practices and the necessary level of documentation. You will be involved with projects from the planning / assembly / instrumentation / commissioning phase through to successfully performing and reporting the test.

You will also be responsible for providing specialist support to existing programmes within your field of expertise, helping to resolve manufacturing issues and supporting continuous improvement efforts.

• Development of manufacturing processes in relation to polymer, composite and adhesive materials
• Qualification of materials and processes to assure they comply with the requirements
• Assessment of deviations from the specified materials and processes requirements to assure continued airworthiness
• Support operational and development programs to enable and deliver zero defect projects utilizing engineering and problem solving skills.
• Accountable for delivering robust, manufacturing process technologies as applied to materials, tooling, part fabrication and assembly.
• Promote GKNs technical capability globally to the broader technical eco-system, including customers, suppliers and steering groups.
• Collect inputs, related to a task and take it through an identified process to produce an output / deliverable adhering to quality and schedule requirements.
• Coordination/project lead for REACh activities: identification of arising issues regarding the REACh legislation, providing support and advice locally and to other GKN sites concerning the impact of REACh.
• Preparing and defining tests/test plans; critical and systematic interpretation and analysis of test data, applying the outcome of tests for substantiation of specification changes.
• Troubleshooting and production support on Materials Issues (e.g. Composites, polymers, bonding, surface treatments).
• Maintaining contacts with suppliers regarding alternative/new products.
• 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.

Profile description:
What You'll Bring To help us make a difference, you'll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• Composite or Polymer Materials Science based Degree (or related)
• Experience in Polymer and Composite material science and processing; familiarity with REACh environmental legislation
• Significant relevant experience within an industrial engineering discipline, preferably within an Aerospace/Automotive/Marine/Energy sectors
• Experience with quality systems, specifications, standards, etc. with the ability to oversee the broader field
• Excellent reporting and project management skills
• Good English language, both verbally and in writing

Desirable:

• Ability to plan work through formal project management processes, including scheduling and budgeting and lead a team to ensure successful delivery of required outcomes.
• An awareness of aerospace certification requirements.
• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD within Aerospace/Automotive/Marine/Energy sectors

The successful candidate should have a broad interest in non-metallic material technologies & testing and characterisation techniques. You should want to mentor people in a technical environment. You'll be able to adapt to changing priorities to meet business priorities handling multiple enquires r 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 and external stakeholders, including operations and other business functions.

The successful candidate should be adaptable in their approach to work, and be able to adapt to potentially dynamic priorities. As a Principal Materials Engineer, the candidate will be naturally curious and seek to increase/deepen their own technical knowledge through study.

Fantastic challenges. Amazing…