Cryogenic-Electric EWIS Research Engineer

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! 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, 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

The GKN Fokker Elmo Research & Technology (R&T) department is seeking an ambitious Research Engineer to contribute to the development of future Electrical (Wiring) Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for sustainable aircraft. EWIS is becoming increasingly prevalent as a key part of the journey to fully electric aircraft. GKN Aerospace, including GKN Fokker Elmo, is at the forefront of developing advanced cryogenic electrical power systems for Hydrogen-electric aircraft.

What you'll do

This is a full-time position in the Research & Technology (R&T) department of Fokker Elmo, part of GKN Aerospace. You will participate within a European consortium including cryogenic build & test companies, universities, knowledge institutes, and aerospace companies, working at the forefront of innovation to develop the first Hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion system. In this role, you will define equipment requirements, lead conceptual and detailed design activities, and play a crucial role in building a strong and reliable supply chain. You will work closely with partners and suppliers to ensure that the design intent is fully understood and realized, whilst verifying the performance of the cryogenic-electrical aerospace products through comprehensive functional and environmental testing.

You will report to the Technology Team Lead of the Cryogenic Electrical Technology programs. The R&T department currently consists of 10-15 Technologists and will grow up to 20-25. The place of work will be at the GKN Fokker Aerospace site in Papendrecht, The Netherlands.

What you'll bring

Knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor / Master degree in Engineering or Physics
• Familiarity with design and assembly principles of cryogenic components & equipment, ideally cryostats
• Familiarity with detail design & drafting, ideally with experience in Design for Manufacture and product realisation
• Familiarity with electrical power distribution equipment and design principles
• Familiarity with Systems Engineering including requirements definition, management & Means of Compliance
• Experience working with and creating equipment specifications for use in the supply chain and working with suppliers to develop and deliver prototype test equipment
• Familiarity with 3-D Modelling, Model Based Definition and 2-D drafting (e.g., CATIA or equivalent)
• Experience or strong interest in cryogenic system development including manufacturing, assembly and hands-on testing
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the practical aspects of cryogenic hardware build and validation processes

Desired behaviours & competencies:

• Ability to operate effectively within a multi-national consortium and confidently collaborate closely with international partners and suppliers
• Ability to determine appropriate approaches to Engineering design process in a technology environment (e.g. initial requirements, Means of Compliance, Design iterations, testing, V&V)
• Ability to communicate well both in Dutch and English across NL & UK supply chains and partners
• Logical Programme Management mindset – able to plan, estimate, report and manage work packages under direct control
• Analytical ability: able to work on new topics / equipment by identifying and using common engineering practices and performing literature studies
• Innovative: has creative ideas to improve processes and products, and translates them into action
• Initiative: is proactive and takes the initiative to ensure performance and delivery
• Self-learning: willing to learn and explore, share knowledge with colleagues and improve yourself
• Cooperative: is a team-worker who is always willing to share their knowledge and capabilities amongst the team

What we'll offer

We are committed to offering you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go in many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. By being part of GKN Aerospace, which has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, you will know that you are working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry. We will support and promote your professional and personal development.

• The role is in Grade K and according to the CLA Metalektro
• 8% holiday allowance
• 40 paid holidays for full-time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro (27 holidays and 13 ADV days)
• An excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance
• A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers
• Learning and development opportunities to support your career progression

Next to the attractive package, we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities.

Who we are

GKN Fokker Elmo is a leading player in the design, manufacturing, and support for Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for Aerospace and Defense programs. Our innovative tools and processes support customers and represent a Unique Selling Point. GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading tier one aerospace supplier of systems and components, serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. GKN Fokker Elmo employs over 2,200 employees worldwide. GKN Aerospace is spearheading the design of a Hydrogen-electric powertrain that enables the cryogenic cooling of its power electronics and hyperconducting power feeders to achieve zero-emission flight with high efficiencies.

An innovative and international workplace in a company with a rich history in the field of aircraft construction. The company has a passion for technology and our staff is rightly proud of what we develop and build. At GKN Fokker Elmo, you will get every opportunity to build your career and work on your personal development! We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.