Materials Science Engineer

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! With over 16,000 employees globally, across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers. Whatever part you play youll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers. Based at our Luton manufacturing plant youll do just that. Established in 1993, GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. design, analysis, testing, certification and manufacture of electro-thermal ice protection, military fast jet canopies and flight deck windows to over 20 programmes including: Our Luton site is home to 370+ employees and onsite facilities including onsite parking, food hub and vending machines. The Luton Engineering & Technology team is focussed on developing product and manufacturing process technology related to aircraft ice protection systems, transparencies and coatings, and specialist structures for both civil and defence applications. Were looking for a Senior Materials Engineer with a strong non-metallic materials engineering 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 and Test (M&T) team within the wider Engineering and Technology department and report to the Functional Team Leader. The role as a Senior Materials Engineer will support the business and engineering team, with non-metallic, polymer materials science and processing knowledge and guidance. Concentrating on thin film coating technologies and transparency materials. The role will initially lead a transparency coatings validation project before moving onto site production support and material obsolescence projects. The role will require a knowledge of the interactions between processing parameters and material properties of Acrylics, Polycarbonates and Polymers, being able to guide new technology test plans and current production deviations. You will be involved with projects from the planning / assembly / instrumentation / commissioning phase though 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. Job Responsibilities Development of manufacturing processes in relation to transparent polymer and adhesive materials Lead thin film polymer coatings projects Lead material obsolescence and REACh affected material replacement projects Work closely with Principle Materials Engineer to effectively manage the Material Obsolescence process Collect inputs, related to a task and take it through an identified process to produce an output / deliverable adhering to quality and schedule requirements. Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards. Supporting production material related queries and issues, regarding re-life, testing and investigations. ensuring they are compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements. critical and systematic interpretation and analysis of test data, applying the outcome of tests for substantiation of specification changes. Defining activities in a project-oriented fashion with identification of deliverables, milestones and associated planning. Troubleshooting and production support on Materials Issues (e.g. Integration into the wider, global engineering function, collaborating with other sites around the world. To help us make a difference, youll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes: Chemistry / Materials Science / aerospace engineering education, BSc / MSc level Knowledge of / experience in Polymer material science and processing Significant relevant experience within an industrial engineering discipline, preferably within an aerospace environment Experience with quality systems, specifications, standards, etc., with the ability to oversee the broader field Excellent reporting and project management skills; Good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing, Ability to plan work through formal project management processes, to ensure successful delivery of required outcomes. You will have an awareness of aerospace certification requirements. Knowledge of / experience in Transparent thin film coatings As Senior Materials Engineer you should have a broad interest in Aerospace engineering with a high level of understanding in non-metallic material technologies & testing and characterisation techniques. As a Senior Materials Engineer, you will be naturally curious and seek to increase/deepen their own technical knowledge through study, collaborative working, hypothesis testing and experimentation. Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. Competitive salary dependent on experience The opportunity to earn up to 15% bonus Industry Leading Pension Scheme = well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis Life Assurance 8 x salary 185 hours holiday + bank holidays Shopping discounts Cycle To Work Scheme Employee Assistance Programme Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme (Insurance, servicing, maintenance, roadside assistance and more included) Free onsite parking Local gym discount Free airport parking Enhanced family friendly leave Well support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.