Principal Research Engineer - Additive Manufacturing (Bristol, GB)

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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Principal Research Engineer to join our growing Additive Manufacturing (AM) team, with a focus on leading the development and industrialisation of powder bed AM technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of advanced manufacturing at GKN Aerospace and make a real impact by helping bring innovative AM products to market.

In this role, you will use your broad engineering expertise and commercial awareness to lead research and development projects across TRL1-6, and support the transition from research into industrial application. You’ll act as a key point of contact for significant programmes of work, leading both internal teams and engaging with customers and external partners.

We're looking for someone with a proven ability to deliver technical programmes, manage budgets, timelines, and risk, and who can flex strategy and direction to achieve the best outcomes. Strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll be collaborating across a wide network of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

You’ll be someone who role-models inclusive leadership and aligns with our values of safety, integrity, teamwork, and innovation. At GKN Aerospace, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

How You'll Contribute

Support technology strategy development by aligning project direction with strategic goals and input from cross-functional teams. Manage project budgets and work stream plans, including forecasting and securing future funding. Lead the creation and maintenance of Technology Development Plans and Business Cases. Ensure project delivery is on track by managing schedules, readiness levels, and planning documentation. Oversee development trials, testing activities, and production of clear, high-quality technical documentation. Line manage assigned team members, including performance development planning and support aligned with GKN’s Technical Excellence Framework. Demonstrate leadership aligned with GKN’s values—fostering a culture of care, innovation, integrity, and ownership. Drive exploitation and industrialisation of technologies, aligning value delivery across internal and external value chains. Act as the main point of contact for stakeholder engagement across customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Champion a proactive health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with EHS standards and contributing to a safe workplace. Promote GKN as a ‘Great Place to Work’, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.

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:

Essential:

Strong and diverse engineering/technology experience Experience working with advance Manufacturing technologies, and have an appreciation for the challenges facing industrialisation of AM Experience in leading innovative technical work, project risk management, and adapting to changing requirements and budget. Experience of line management and operational management of deployed resources. Experience engaging with production teams, can identify operational requirements and address them in project(s) as appropriate.

Desirable:

Membership and participation in aerospace and technology networks relevant to the role. Experience of influencing senior stakeholders both inside organisations and beyond. Established range of contacts in the Aerospace AM Community A relevant, accredited engineering degree, a higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD, or EngD." Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution Experience in building industrialisation plans

You will have a logical and methodical approach to work package planning and costing. As a strong self-starter, you excel at converting ambiguity into clarity and translating goals into actionable plans, typically requiring only general direction. Your excellent interpersonal and communication skills enable you to effectively engage with both technical and non-technical audiences. Confident in representing projects and GKN values at executive-level meetings, you are also adept at diplomatically resolving conflicts within projects."

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

Competitive salary dependant on experience Opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus Hybrid working – giving you the opportunity to balance home and office working Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis Life Assurance 8 x salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays Income protection Shopping discounts Cycle To Work Scheme Employee Assistance Programme A collaborative, dynamic working environment

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll 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’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!

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. ​ ​