Chief Engineer- Hydrogen Systems

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 center of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 15,000 employees across 41 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

GKN is actively engaged in a series of strategic high-value development programs aimed at enabling sustainable aviation and ultimately a zero-emission flight solution for large aircraft platforms. We’ve built up a significant technical capability with a diverse, international team of specialist engineers and technologists, based largely at our Global Technology Centre in Bristol (UK). The team is working on the development and certification of liquid hydrogen-based electrical fuel cell propulsion systems, including LH2 fuel storage and management, fuel cell power generation and distribution, and then cryogenic electrical drive technologies.

This groundbreaking technology is maturing rapidly, and we’re searching for specialist engineers and scientists who want to work with us in this rapidly changing, dynamic, multifunctional environment to help us push further and faster as we secure our route to flight demonstration and commercial exploitation. We have technology foundation programs currently live in fuel systems (HYFIVE) and power propulsion systems (H2GEAR), and we are now launching a FLIGHT TRIAL team with the objective of combining the output from those programs at an aircraft level.

Working alongside the existing Chief Engineers, you will be responsible for leading and delivering sub-elements of Hydrogen Systems development programs.

The role requires day-to-day technical leadership of the programme developments including test phases (e.g., H2GEAR programme demonstrating a novel cryogenically cooled hydrogen fuel cell aircraft powertrain).

Please note, the successful candidate will be required on-site in Bristol UK 3 days per week.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead development activities to meet programme technical requirements (e.g., weight, performance, safety, certification).
• Provide technical direction and day-to-day leadership for the programme.
• Draft, approve, and maintain ground-based test plans.
• Chair design reviews and test readiness reviews; serve as final technical approval signatory.
• Oversee Technology Readiness Level assessments and technical reporting.
• Manage quality and safety systems to ensure safe test execution.
• Act as the technical focal point for the Programme Director and partners.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Identify technical risks and implement mitigation plans in collaboration with Program Management.
• Manage technical change control and support customer change control processes.
• Oversee engineering resource and equipment requirements, resolving resourcing conflicts.
• Promote best practices, continuous improvement, and Lean initiatives.
• Contribute to knowledge management, process improvements, and lessons learned.
• Support job appraisals and career development reviews for engineering staff.

How You'll Contribute

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your expertise, experience, and passion in line with the required attributes detailed below:

Essential:

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Engineering or equivalent working and thinking level gained through experience.
• Extensive experience gained within an engineering discipline, including experience within an aerospace or powertrain development environment.
• Experience managing a validation and verification programme, including test for a hardware development programme.
• Experience with managing (complex) engineering projects or having acted as engineering/functional team leader; has led teams (delivery through people without direct hierarchical authority).
• Previously held (internal) technical approval authority (i.e., appropriate technical seniority).

Desirable:

• Powertrain development experience, and working with external test facilities on hardware development programmes.
• Completed Project Management Training / Courses.
• Cryogenic system and/or hydrogen test and development experience.

We are looking for a Chief Engineer who is a natural leader, driven by passion and energy to achieve program and business goals while fostering a safe and collaborative work environment. This person communicates clearly, works effectively across diverse teams, and builds strong relationships with colleagues and customers. They are results-driven, disciplined, and take initiative, making tough decisions when necessary. They are also committed to continuous learning and empowering others through coaching, delegation, and constructive feedback to build the organisation’s future capabilities.

What We'll Offer

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

• Competitive salary dependant on experience
• Opportunity to earn bonus
• Hybrid working – giving you the opportunity to balance home and office working
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

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. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where your career journey may take you!

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.

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