Research & Development Engineering Technician

Job Summary

Youll be making a real contribution to the future of aviation. Whatever your role youll play a part in delivering operational excellence for our customers based at our Luton manufacturing facility. Established in 1993 GKN Aerospace Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. The site offers a full breadth of capability including design analysis testing certification and manufacture of electrothermal ice protection systems military fastjet canopies and flight deck windows. Our products support more than 20 aircraft programmes including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Airbus A320 AgustaWestland AW101 Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor. Our customer base includes Boeing Airbus Lockheed Martin Bell Helicopters Textron BAE Systems Pratt & Whitney and Luton site is home to over 370 employees and benefits from onsite facilities including parking a food hub and vending machines.

Our Engineering & Technology team at Luton focuses on developing both product and manufacturing process technologies for aircraft ice protection systems transparencies functional coatings and specialist structures supporting a wide range of civil and defence applications.

We are seeking an R&D Engineering Technician to support Research and Development activities by providing handson technical expertise in the build modification and testing of prototypes experimental rigs and laboratory equipment. Development work will primarily involve composite materials with some exposure to 3D printing and electronics.

The role enables engineers and researchers to translate concepts into practical solutions through accurate experimentation problem solving and data capture while ensuring all activities are conducted safely efficiently and in compliance with engineering and laboratory standards. The technician plays a key role in accelerating innovation by supporting iterative development reliable testing and the transition of concepts toward validation and future industrialisation.

Core operational hours at our Luton site are: 07:30 - 16:30 Monday to Thursday & 07:30 - 12:30 Friday.

Job Responsibilities

Prototyping:
Build assemble modify and test prototypes rigs and experimental setups
Support engineers during product process and technology development
Translate design concepts drawings and specifications into practical experimental builds
Adapt equipment and layouts quickly to support iterative design and proofofconcept work

Testing:
Set up and operate test equipment instrumentation and datacapture systems
Conduct laboratory bench or pilot tests in line with test plans and protocols
Monitor experiments record observations and report deviations or anomalies
Assist with verification and validation activities for new designs or materials

Fault Finding & Problem Solving:
Diagnose issues affecting prototypes test rigs or experimental equipment
Provide practical input to resolve mechanical electrical or system-level problems
Identify limitations in designs or setups and suggest practical improvements
Support rapid troubleshooting to minimise test delays

Test Equipment:
Maintain R&D laboratory/workshop equipment test rigs and specialist engineering tools
Ensure test environments remain safe organised and fit for purpose
Manage specialist consumables components and prototype materials

Documentation & Data Recording:
Accurately record test results build notes changes and observations
Update drawings build instructions and experimental documentation
Maintain traceability of prototype versions test conditions and configurations
Support technical reports design reviews and project documentation

HSE:
Work in compliance with laboratory safety procedures risk assessments and COSHH
Contribute to safe system-of-work documentation for experimental activities
Identify and report hazards associated with new or unproven technologies
Support safe handling of materials chemicals energy sources and moving systems

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Work closely with engineers and/or project teams
Provide handson technical insight during design reviews and prototype discussions
Support training or handover of experimental setups to colleagues
Share lessons learned to improve future designs and test efficiency

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Actively contribute ideas to improve prototype build quality test repeatability or efficiency
Help refine R&D processes tooling and test methods
Stay informed on emerging technologies tools and engineering methods relevant to R&D
Support transition activities from R&D into pilot or production environments where required
CATIAv5 experience

What Youll Bring

To help us make a difference youll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills experience qualifications and attributes:
Essential:

Industry experience in manufacturing or prototype development in Aerospace or Automotive industry
The successful candidate will be proactive in their work.
Strong handson engineering skills with a flexible solutionfocused mindset
Ability to work with incomplete or evolving specifications
Curiosity and willingness to experiment and learn
High attention to detail when recording test data and results
Ability to balance creativity with safety and compliance
Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams
Methodical and attentive to details

Desirable:
Background in composites materials
Design / CATIAv5 experience
HND/HNC in relevant engineering discipline

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.

Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As part of the application process you will be asked to declare when applying for this role.

The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).

What Well Offer

Once youre on board youll get the following perks and benefits:
Competitive salary dependent on experience
Industry Leading Pension Scheme well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
Life Assurance 8 x salary
185 hours holiday bank holidays
Income protection
Shopping discounts
Cycle To Work Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme (Insurance servicing maintenance roadside assistance and more included)
Free onsite parking
Local gym discount
Free airport parking
Enhanced family friendly leave
A collaborative dynamic working environment

As well as a competitive package well offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! Well support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Thats the beauty of being part of a global business once youre on board you never know where you career journey may take you!

Join us and keep the world moving click on the link below to apply

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