About this job

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. With 50 manufacturing locations in 15 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. We design and manufacture innovative smart aerospace systems and components. Our technologies are used in aircraft ranging from the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world to business jets and the world’s advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft.

About the opportunity

GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world, it is likely that GKN is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.

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.

Responsibilities

Job Summary

GKN Aerospace is the original aerospace innovator. For decades, GKN Aerospace technologies have inspired and industrialized the aerospace industry, combining engineering excellence and technology leadership. Today we are truly global. With 17,000 employees in 50 manufacturing locations in 15 countries around the world. All major aircraft and engine manufacturers rely on our advanced technologies.

The ‘Applications Engineer – Machining Technology’ will be at the heart of innovative machining research projects within the GKN Aerospace Technology Team. This role will be based in GKN’s new Global Technology Centre being built in Bristol, UK, and support world-wide machining development projects. The role requires a strong background in operating machine tools, ideally machine tools with Siemens 840D controllers, and machining of Titanium/Aluminium structures. The ideal candidate would also have production experience and competency/aptitude to support developments in NC programming and the use of machining simulation tools.

The candidate should be inspired by the prospect of applying and growing their knowledge to improve future generations of aircraft. They should be a strong self-starter, with an ability to quickly understand both the benefits and challenges likely to be faced in developing and implementing new machining processes.

The role has 3 fundamental aspects:

To interpret machining process requirements for parts/products

• Work with Technology, Engineering and operations colleagues to understand the form, fit, function of aerospace parts, and business related process targets
• Derive machining process requirements from the product and commercial requirements
• Propose the machining development process, including work-holding and material removal strategies

Support CAM usage and development

• Develop NC-programs for machining trials and demonstrator part manufacture
• Analyse/foresee CAM/post-processing issues and be able to identify root cause
• Understand and ideally use machining simulation tools in collaboration with internal/external resources

To operate machine tools

• Conventional machining centres typically equipped with a Siemens 840D controller;
• Collaborate with Technology and Operations colleagues to operate machining development cells aligned with more ambitious Technology objectives

Profile

Essential

• Strong, accredited undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, automotive engineering or similar.

Desirable

• Postgraduate degree themed on machining science technology or significant experience in defining, proving and implementing machining technology.

Specific Functional Capabilities, Knowledge and Skills Required:

Essential

• Experience in operating machining centres.
• Experience in selecting cutting tools/coolants, work holding systems, structured machining programme development and assessments.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials.
• A logical approach to problem solving and use of the appropriate tools.
• A strong self-starter capable of accepting a vision/goal and taking the initiative to deliver.
• Committed to supporting a culture of innovation.
• An experienced and successful team-worker with a flexible working approach.
• Good communication skills including verbal, written, preparing and giving presentations.

Desirable

• Programming for CNC machines using CAM software; preferably in CATIA.
• Awareness of process optimization software.
• Awareness of FEM simulation methods.
• Background knowledge of a diverse range of processes, tooling philosophies.
• Background knowledge of aircraft component manufacture.
• Understands and has used tools such as Design of Experiments, Value Stream Maps and FMEAs.