Senior Research Engineer/Specialist - Cryogenics

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GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets 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 centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Based at GKN's Global Technology Centre the role of a Senior Cryogenics Design Engineer is to support the cryogenic power distribution team in developing and delivering cryogenic systems within GKN Aerospace Hydrogen Systems. This work will directly contribute to the advancement of sustainable aerospace power and propulsion systems, integrating cryogenic technologies through the design and development of innovative components, assemblies, and system architectures.

The role focuses on progressing cryogenic concepts through detailed design, development, and system integration activities, from early-stage research to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL1–6).

The role will require leading technical design projects and activities, supporting the development of others including capability growth, mentoring early-career engineers, and promoting enhanced engineering, manufacturing-aware design processes, and functional excellence.

The candidate will be expected to utilise CATIA V5 to create and manage complex 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and digital mock-ups, while interfacing across technical disciplines (Electrical, Controls, Systems, Prototyping, Manufacturing, etc.) to ensure that cryogenic system designs are coherent with broader system, certification, and production requirements.

How You'll Contribute

The Senior Research Engineer Cryogenics will be responsible for the following:

• Develop system and component designs for cryogenic power distribution systems across the full temperature range from 20 K to 70 °C, ensuring compliance with relevant safety, airworthiness, and certification requirements.
• Create and mature detailed 3D designs, assemblies, layouts, and manufacturing definitions using CATIA, supporting the development and demonstration of cryogenic power distribution technologies and systems.
• Contribute to the translation of system requirements and engineering line-ups into validated design solutions, supporting requirements management, safety assessments, risk reduction activities, and compliance demonstration throughout the product lifecycle.
• Define suitable materials, manufacturing methods, and technology specifications for cryogenic and high vacuum systems and components, considering structural, thermal, electrical, and operational requirements.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop cost-effective, manufacturable design solutions while maintaining strong technical relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers.
• Contribute to verification and validation activities through design analysis, simulation, digital mock-up reviews, and test support, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and supporting qualification and certification planning.
• Participate in engineering and design reviews, ensuring technical deliverables are completed to the required quality, schedule, cost, and configuration management standards.
• Lead the technical and functional development of yourself and others through coaching, continuous professional development (CPD), improved ways of working, design process enhancement, and guidance to early-career engineers and direct reports.
• Generate, capture, and maintain design data, technical documentation, and intellectual property to support knowledge retention and technology protection.