Senior Research Engineer/Specialist – Composites Process Manufacturing Processes

Overview

As Senior Research Engineer you contribute to shaping the future of flight by advancing composite manufacturing processes for wing applications. You will be part of the GTC technology team, guiding research from lab tests to industry-ready solutions and supporting technology development plans. You’ll manage delivery, budgets, and schedules while leading hands-on development and ensuring clear documentation. You enable cross‑functional collaboration with internal and external partners to drive industrialisation and real-world impact. This role offers high‑impact work in a sustainability‑driven, innovative environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Up to 15% Bonus
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme (up to 8% matched)
• Life Assurance 8x salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours (finish Friday noon)

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver project strategy with cross-functional input
• Plan and manage delivery: budgets, schedules, and Technology Development Plans/Business Cases
• Lead development activities from testing to technical documentation
• Drive projects toward industrialisation and real-world application
• Engage and maintain relationships with internal/ external stakeholders
• Support and develop people while fostering a safe, inclusive, high-performing environment
• Potential line management of Technology team members or deployed resources

Key requirements

• Experience with composite materials and manufacturing methods
• Knowledge of advanced composite manufacturing processes (RTM, automated layup, fibre placement/tape laying) for aerospace structures
• Experience in development and delivery of composite structures including tooling concepts and forming technologies
• Understanding of process control, repeatability, and statistical variation in composite manufacturing
• Collaboration with tooling engineers on mould/tool design and material deposition strategies
• Knowledge of common composite defects and mitigation approaches
• Hands-on experience in production or industrial R&D environments
• Detailed knowledge of carbon fibre materials and processing options
• Strong understanding of aerospace-grade composite systems (fibres, resins, cores)

• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders
• Leadership and people development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding)
• Automated layup
• Fibre placement / tape laying

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