Senior Engineer - Materials & Processes

Job Summary

Senior Engineer – Materials & Processes, Luton, UK. Lead the development and qualification of manufacturing processes for composite, polymer and adhesive materials within the Materials, Coatings and Test (MCT) team of GKN Aerospace. Support the production and advancement of next‑generation composite aero‑structures, ice protection and transparency products for a range of aerospace programmes.

• Develop manufacturing processes for polymer, composite and adhesive materials.
• Qualify materials and processes to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Assess deviations from material and process requirements to maintain airworthiness.
• Support robust manufacturing process technologies applied to materials.
• Collect inputs, coordinate tasks and deliver outputs that meet quality and schedule targets.
• Coordinate material obsolescence and REACH activities, providing support and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead small‑scale projects for material obsolescence replacement, including investigation, reporting, customer engagement and implementation into production.
• Prepare and guide test plans; critically interpret and analyse test data to substantiate specification changes.
• Provide troubleshooting and production support for materials issues (composites, polymers, bonding, surface treatments).
• Involve in projects from planning through to commissioning, testing and reporting.

• Degree in Composite or Polymer Materials Science or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in polymer and composite material science and processing.
• Industrial engineering experience, preferably in Aerospace/Automotive/Marine/Energy sectors.
• Experience with quality systems, specifications and standards, with the ability to oversee related activities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) required.

• Formal project management skills, including scheduling and budgeting.
• Knowledge of aerospace certification requirements.
• Higher degree qualification (Masters, PhD or EngD) in related sectors.
• Familiarity with REACH environmental legislation.

• Competitive salary plus up to 15% bonus.
• Industry‑leading pension scheme with up to 8% match.
• Life assurance 8 × salary; income protection.
• 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
• Free onsite parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme and local gym discount.
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP clinic.
• Shopping discounts, childcare discounts and enhanced family leave.
• Collaborative, dynamic working environment across a global workforce.