VP Engineering & Technology

Job Summary

GKN Aerospace is currently hiring for a VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems. The role is a permanent opportunity in which were happy to receive applications from individuals based in the UK the Netherlands or Germany; based at any of the following sites:

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

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

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. The role 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 Youll 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 Youll 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 Youll 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 Well Offer

Once youre on board youll 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 - 7500/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.

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!