Senior Research Engineer/Specialist - Materials & Processes - 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 Senior Research Engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing (AM) Powder Bed team at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of additive manufacturing within aerospace.

As a Senior Research Engineer, you’ll bring your specialist expertise in materials science and powder bed fusion (PBF) to deliver high-impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–6. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that all research outputs are technically robust, innovative, and aligned with our broader engineering and sustainability goals.

You’ll have a proven track record of leading technical work and contributing to innovation within your field. With strong communication skills, you’ll be confident working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including non-technical audiences. You're likely building a professional network and are passionate about keeping pace with developments in your field.

This role will focus on advancing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for aero engine applications. Experience in this area, or from other high value manufacturing sectors would be advantageous, though not essential.

How You'll Contribute

Lead the development and execution of material characterisation and powder testing campaigns, working with both conventional and novel materials and feedstocks. Manage engagement with external testing facilities and perform detailed metallographic inspections, including sample preparation and analysis. Drive LPBF process development activities, including optimisation, thermal performance studies, and process robustness investigations. Produce high-quality technical documentation and reports, and effectively communicate complex findings to a range of internal and external stakeholders. Solve technical challenges and support the industrial application of AM materials and processes, contributing to technology maturation and operational improvements. Build and maintain strong links with academia and industry partners to support long-term innovation. Champion a proactive safety culture and uphold GKN’s core values, contributing to our mission of being a great place to work.

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:

Experience of materials processing, testing and measurement within heavy industry Demonstrated experience in the development or assessment of AM process themes for a variety of material systems. Experienced in Metallurgy and processing with understanding of material types, selection and performance assessment Experienced in materials testing techniques for metallic materials i.e. tensile, LCF, HCF, Creep, Fracture Toughness etc. Experienced in characterisation techniques such as microscopy, SEM/EDX, fractography

Desirable:

Experience of Additive Manufacturing principles and post processing requirements Experience of material selection for aero engine materials, specifically applications for titanium and nickel alloys Hands on experience with AM technologies Experience of working within an R&D environment with a focus on delivery to industry Experience working within the Aerospace industry or other high value manufacturing sector. Previous experience working to AMS, SAE, NADCAP standards Understanding of broader manufacturing methods within the aerospace industry Experience working as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and cross-borders team

The ideal candidate will be confident engaging with colleagues at all levels across the business, bringing strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. They will be capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a team environment, often managing multiple project responsibilities simultaneously. Clear and articulate communication, including excellent written English, is essential to succeed in this role.

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!

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. ​ ​