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.
The role of Principal Cryogenic Research Engineer provides a unique opportunity to develop your cryogenics expertise by working alongside World renowned Tech Fellow Stephen Harrison.
You will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for cryogenic power distribution within GKN Aerospace Hydrogen Systems. The role plays a critical part in advancing sustainable aerospace power and propulsion technologies by defining, developing, and integrating cryogenic systems that enhance overall system performance, efficiency, and capability.
This position leads the progression of cryogenic concepts from early-stage research through experimental validation and system integration, advancing technologies across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–6). The role carries responsibility for setting technical vision, leading complex, multidisciplinary development activities, and ensuring robust translation of research into system-level solutions.
The Principal Engineer will provide authoritative technical leadership across projects, drive capability growth within the organisation, mentor and develop engineers at all career stages, and champion engineering best practice, governance, and functional excellence.
The role requires extensive cross-functional engagement across disciplines including Electrical, Controls, Systems, and Prototyping to ensure cryogenic solutions are fully aligned with broader system architectures, requirements, and certification pathways.
The role offers a hybrid working pattern
The Principal Research Engineer - Process Development will be responsible for the following:
To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:
Essential:
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:
Competitive salary dependent on experience
Up to 15% Bonus
Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12%)
Life Assurance 8 x salary
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday
Income protection
Shopping discounts
Cycle To Work Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
A collaborative, dynamic working environment
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.
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace designs, manufactures and delivers an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies – for use in commercial and defense aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to the most advanced fighter aircraft. In line with its mission, GKN Aerospace is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems and innovative engine systems help to reduce emissions and weight on today’s aircraft, while it collaborates with global partners to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures and engine systems, with 16,000 employees across its 36 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.
