Senior Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Environmental Testing

Date: Jan 15, 2026

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

The Engineering department of GKN Aerospace’s EWIS solutions (Fokker Elmo) is looking for an ambitious engineer to apply their theoretical background, experience, interests, and ambitions to the development of future Electrical (Wiring) Interconnection Systems for sustainable aircraft. Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) have become more prevalent as part of the More Electric Aircraft; today, the journey to full Electric and Hybrid-Electric aircraft adds a new chapter to its technology significance. This includes both High Voltage High Power (HVHP) EWIS developments as well as disruptive technologies for the transmission of low voltage data signals.

Job Summary

In this role as an EWIS Senior Engineer, Component Design, you will play a key role in supporting the design, development, and validation & verification activities for Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) components and constructions (component assemblies). Your responsibilities include performing trade‑off studies, advising on component selection, supporting component and construction qualification, preparing high‑quality technical documentation, and collaborating closely with the Engineering Design Team.

In this senior role, you will also mentor and guide (Junior) Design Engineers, providing technical direction, reviewing their work, and helping them develop strong engineering practices and domain expertise.

You will contribute to the creation of test plans, preparation of test samples, execution of tests in our in‑house laboratory, and the subsequent reporting of results. As we continue to expand our expertise in next‑generation EWIS technologies for future aircraft applications, you will play a central role in shaping and maturing these capabilities.

You will report to the Centre of Competence Manager – EWIS Components and Enviromental testing (ECE) and will take guidance and direction on a project basis from the Technical lead (Sr. Engineer) and/or Principal Engineer (PE)/Engineering Team Lead (ETL) of the design engineering team.

What you'll do

• Support the design, development, and validation & verification of EWIS components and component assemblies.
• Perform trade‑off studies and advise on component selection.
• Support component and construction qualification.
• Prepare high‑quality technical documentation.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering Design Team.
• Mentor and guide (Junior) Design Engineers; provide technical direction, review work, and support development of engineering practices and domain expertise.
• Create test plans, prepare test samples, execute tests in an in‑house laboratory, and report results.
• Help shape and mature next‑generation EWIS technologies for future aircraft applications.

What you'll bring

• 5–10 years of professional experience in a comparable engineering domain, preferably within aerospace, automotive, rail, or other major transportation industries.
• Proven system design background with hands-on involvement in complex, multidisciplinary aerospace and/or transportation system architectures.
• Strong knowledge of electrical cable harness design, including component‑level understanding of connectors, terminals, backshells, splices, shielding, grounding, and protective coverings.
• Familiarity with defining and specifying parts, materials, and assemblies, including understanding of component interactions and system-level impacts.
• Ability to interpret and apply industry standards (e.g., DO-160, ARP4754A, MIL-STD, ISO standards).
• Strong documentation and requirements management skills, including experience with tools like Codebeamer or equivalent systems.
• Demonstrated capability to lead technical reviews, resolve cross-functional issues, and support design assurance activities.
• A proactive, analytical mindset, with the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues.
• Experience with qualification processes, including communication and negotiation with suppliers and customers.

Soft skills:

• Assertiveness: Willingness to learn and to broaden own knowledge; takes initiative to help improve processes and procedures.
• Teamwork: Able to work constructively in a small (multicultural) team taking responsibility for assigned tasks and willing to support other team members in achieving team targets and deadlines.
• Results-driven: Able to plan own work in line with project schedules, and report progress regularly and timely in the event of issues or delays.
• Self-learning: Willing to learn and explore, share knowledge with colleagues and improve yourself.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies; fluent English in speech and writing; ability to communicate clearly and concisely (including technical reports) with flair and forthcomingness.
• Project Management: You master basic project management skills.

Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a comparable engineering environment, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other high‑reliability electronics design and development departments.

What we'll offer

We are committed to offer you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go to many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. We will support and promote your professional and personal development.

• 8% holiday allowance.
• 42 paid holidays for full-time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro.
• 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.

Who we are

GKN Aerospace’s EWIS solutions (Fokker Elmo) designs, manufactures, and supports Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for Aerospace and Defense programs.