Research Engineer - Electronic Hardware & Software Engineer

Job content

About Us

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. With 50 manufacturing locations in 15 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. We design and manufacture innovative smart aerospace systems and components. Our technologies are used in aircraft ranging from the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world to business jets and the world’s advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft.

About The Opportunity

GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world, it is likely that GKN is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do.

Job Summary

GKN Aerospace is an original aerospace innovator. For decades, GKN Aerospace technologies have inspired and industrialised the aerospace industry, combining engineering and technological excellence. Today we are truly global. With 17,000 employees in 50 manufacturing locations in 15 countries around the world. All major aircraft and engine manufacturers rely on our advanced technologies. Going forward we intend to further enhance our capability by building a network of Global Technology Centres (GTC). GKN’s new Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Filton, Bristol is a £32m state of the art technology research and development facility which will act as a hub for world-class innovative technology for the next generation of fuel-efficient aircraft. It will include collaborative space for research and development with universities, the UK’s CATAPULT network and GKN Aerospace’s UK supply chain, to help strengthen aerospace technology and support the UK’s Industrial strategy – Would you like the opportunity to work at the GTC?

We are looking for a Research Engineer with a background in Electronic Hardware and Software to help shape the future of flight. You will be responsible to develop Electronic Hardware and Software including its requirements, specification, development and test definition. We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented individuals with the skills and passion to become future leaders in what they do.

The Research Engineer shall draw on their engineering background and product lifecycle awareness to progress a variety of research activity in the TRL1-6 range. They must have sound experience in technical working and risk management. They shall be committed to development of their own skills and professional network. Their good communication skills shall enable them to confidently engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
This is a very exciting and potentially career defining opportunity. You will be an integral member of a team that is embarking on a significant and challenging technology development project; this five year project will be a major steppingstone towards achieving greener aviation thus helping protect our environment for future generations.

Job Responsibilities

Shall define and develop requirements, and turn them into a feasible solution by proposing electronic hardware and software through to detail design and test according to DO-254 and DO-178 reporting to the Principal Hardware and Software Engineers respectively.
Shall develop component and item specifications/descriptions as well as compliance criteria for the electronic items and hardware.
Shall develop software using the software design environment for the program and ensure is correct function.
Develop of items and components to ARP4754, ARP4761, DO254, DO-178, DO-297, DO160 and others as appropriate.
Shall define validation plans and ensure compliance through analysis, simulation and/or test (e.g. DO-160) as appropriate.
Manage technical engagement with the supply chain.
Work with the systems architects, mechanical systems engineers and system simulation engineers to ensure that the system requirements are achieved.
Generate technical reports and presentations, with the ability to present information in a clear and organized manner.
Develop specification documents and procedures for new products before launched into manufacturing. Ensure their specification and ensure the production, compliance and test of the components, items and systems. Develop validation test methods and protocols. Use Aerospace best practices. Participate in in-depth analysis of test data.
Shall ensure configuration management is in place for the systems and all of its components from requirement through to operation.
Provide general technical feedback on the design and development of mechanical and electrical sub-systems.
Manage and develop requirements and specifications both internally and as part of appropriate international standard working groups.
Shall contribute to the development of GKN as a ’Great Place to Work’, aligned with the core principles - safe, innovative, open & honest, care & respect, and ownership.

Job Qualifications

Essential Specific Technical Experience :

Experience in the development of Electronic Hardware and/or Software for heavy transportation (e.g. aerospace, ground and maritime).
Experience in power Electronics, PCB and packaging development, e.g. ANSYS Simplorer and CPS, PSPICE or other.
Experience in the use of software design environments.
Experience in MBSE (e.g. SysML), functional decomposition and performing architectural system level studies, e.g. ANSYS SCADE.
Experience in the development of converters, inverters and/or bus controllers with the objective to maximise efficiency and specific power.
Experience in databus networks.
Experience in Safety Assessment and Compliance Planning, including FTA and FMEA, e.g. ANSYS Medini
Proficiency in RBE tools, e.g. DOORs
Experience in associated international standards, design practices, certification requirements (and means of compliance) as well as in service issues.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications.
Ability to design and set-up experiments and fixtures for testing (“Hands on” experience)

Essential General Experience

Has good interpersonal and communication skills, and can translate to a variety of audiences. Is confident and able to represent their project(s) and GKN values in internal/external review meetings.
Has experience engaging with production teams, can identify operational requirements and incorporate in the project(s) as appropriate.
Has a good general aerospace engineering/technology knowledge base and can demonstrate strategic thinking
Has a logical and methodical approach to work package planning and costing
Is a strong self-starter, competent to work with general goal-based direction as well as more specific task-based requirements

Qualifications Required

A Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Software or Systems Engineering with a minimum 5 years experience in electronic hardware and software engineering.

Desirable

Experience in electronic hardware and software development within a space environment.
Experience in thermal and EMC simulation.
Experience in the development of safety critical software.
Experience logical development including the specification and validation of aerospace software.
Experience in the design and development of passive components, in particular inductors and capacitors.
Experience in the mechanical design, integration and test of the electrical and fluid systems, including functional, EMC and component/item testing to DO-160.
Detail-oriented.
Able to maintain an organized and clean work environment.
Experience in data management role.
Willing to support University research including Internships and Masters projects

Diversity Inclusion and Belonging (DIB)

As a global engineering company, innovation is what differentiates us from our competitors and is central to our success.

A balance of cultures, ethnicities and genders help bring new ideas and creativity to GKN. We need people of different backgrounds, with different skills and perspectives to spark originality, imagination and creativeness in our teams around the world.

GKN is an equal opportunity employer.

We treat all our employees and applicants fairly and are committed to ensuring that there is no discrimination or harassment against any employee or qualified applicant on the grounds of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.