VP/SVP Engineering & Technology

GKN Aerospace is currently hiring for a permanent VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems.

The role is based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany, at any of the following sites:

• UK: Luton, East Cowes, Bristol
• Netherlands: Hoogeveen, Papendrecht
• Germany: Munich

We offer hybrid working with an expectation for regular travel; on average this will be 5 - 7 days per month.

Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set 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.

Job Summary

The VP E&T Aerosystems is responsible for defining and delivering the GKN Aerospace airframe-level system integration capabilities and outputs required to architect, integrate, certify, industrialise, and sustain higher-level aero-system solutions across the Airframe product portfolio.

As the senior technical authority for Aerosystems, the role holds accountability for the integration of multiple Product Line solutions. The role executes system-level technical governance in line with corporate frameworks, drives development of architecture-led integration capabilities, and owns the Aerosystems integration strategy that informs Airframes investment priorities.

In partnership with customers, Product Line leaders, Manufacturing Engineering, Airworthiness, and external stakeholders, the role ensures delivery of integrated solutions, early opportunity shaping, and participation in risk-sharing partnerships.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role you will be leading across multiple accountabilities. These include:

• Engineering and Technology Vision
• Technical Community Leadership
• Product and Process Development Oversight
• Airworthiness & Regulatory Compliance
• Engineering Execution & Delivery
• Research & Technology Development (R&T)
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Cross Airframe Functional Engineering Support
• Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance
• Commercial & Financial Accountability

What You'll Bring - Essential

Technical Expertise

• Extensive experience in airframe systems integration, systems engineering, or multi-domain aerospace design.
• Strong capability in systems engineering, architecture, integration, requirements, and interface control.
• Credibility to act as a system-level technical authority with regulators, customers, and partners.

Product Development Leadership

• Proven leadership of complex product lifecycles (design, integration, certification, in-service support).
• Experience across design, manufacturing, and operations interfaces.
• Strong understanding of CS/FAR/MIL requirements and compliance.

Programme Delivery

• Ownership of large, complex aerospace projects with multiple subsystems.
• Proven track record of delivering to schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Strong risk management and problem resolution capability.

Leadership & Organisation

• Experience leading large, multi-site engineering teams in regulated environments (e.g. AS9100).
• Ability to build and scale teams, processes, and operating models.
• Effective decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Governance, Safety & Quality

• Experience in technical governance, reviews, and customer engagement.
• Strong understanding of lifecycle controls, safety, risk, and compliance.

Commercial Acumen

• Experience managing engineering budgets and supporting financial planning.
• Involvement in bids, pricing, and margin improvement.
• Understanding of make/buy decisions and supply chain strategy.

What You'll Bring - Desirable

Broader Experience

• Experience beyond Tier 1 OEMs (e.g. systems integration, propulsion, MRO).
• Direct engagement with regulators (CAA, EASA, FAA, MAA).
• Exposure to MBSE, digital engineering, PLM transformation.
• International and cross-sector (civil/defence) experience.

Innovation & Strategy

• Experience introducing new technologies into certified products.
• Proven track record of building strategic partnerships.
• Contribution to engineering/technology strategy and roadmaps.
• Awareness of emerging technologies (e.g. automation, digital engineering).

What We'll Offer

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

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Annual Bonus (STIP) - up to 58%.
• Long term bonus scheme (LTIP) - up to 50%.
• Car Allowance - £7,500/year.
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%).
• Full family private medical.
• Annual personal health check.
• Life Assurance 8 x salary.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle To Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
• Learning and development opportunities to support career progression.

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.