GKN Aerospace
VP Engineering & Technology
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VP Engineering & Technology
VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems
GKN Aerospace
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel, enabling it to go further, faster and greener. Fuelled by great talent, we blend expertise with innovation to set industry standards. Pivotal in shaping the future of democracy and sustainability, we harness a global workforce of over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, serving 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. Our 2023 sales topped £3.35bn, and with no limits, we welcome candid career trajectories.
Job Summary
GKN Aerospace is seeking a VP of Engineering & Technology - Aerosystems, a permanent role open to candidates based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Germany. Positions span sites including: 🇬🇧 UK: Luton, East Cowes, Bristol 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Hoogeveen, Papendrecht 🇩🇪 Germany: Munich
This role embodies hybrid working flexibility, with an expectation of 5–7 days of travel monthly.
Key Responsibilities
As the senior technical authority for Aerosystems, the VP E&T is accountable for defining and delivering airframe-level system integration capabilities, spanning:
- Architecture (system design and integration)
- Certification of multi-domain aero-solutions
- Sustainment plans
- Strategy for Aerosystems integration, directing Airframe investment priorities
Collaborating with customers, Product Line leaders, Manufacture Engineering, and Airworthiness, this role shapes early opportunity priorities while driving partnerships for risk-sharing.
Daily Accountabilities
Leading a multifaceted portfolio, your responsibilities will include:
- Engineering and Technology Vision: Shaping the long-term vision for complex integration and technology.
- Technical Community Leadership: Championing engineering excellence in alignment with U.K. corporate strategy.
- Product & Process Development: Overseeing design, blend, certification, and industrialisation of aero-solutions.
- Airworthiness & Government Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring FAR/CS/MIL compliance and stakeholder participation.
- Engineering Execution & Gov ERP: Holistic monitoring from development to supply chain execution.
- Research & Technology Development (R&T): Driving innovation in advanced engineering capabilities.
- Customer & Stakeholder Relations: Managing customer expectations and executing strategic collaborations.
- Cross-Functional Governance: Leading in risk management, quality assurance, and commercial accountability.
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What You Bring
Essential Criteria
Technical Expertise
- Deep expertise in airframe systems integration, systems engineering, or multi-domain aerospace design
- Strong capability in architecture, requirements management, interface control
- Ability to ascend as a technical authority for external regulators, clients, and partnerships
Product Development Leadership
- Leadership in complex product lifecycles spanning design to in-service support
- Experience in cross-functional design/manufacture/operations interfaces
- Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks (CS/FAR/MIL)
Programme Delivery
- Demonstrable success in large, complex aerospace projects with multiple subsystems
- Track record of on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery
- Exquisite risk management and problem-solving capabilities
Leadership
- Multi-site team leadership within regulated aerospace environments (e.g., AS9100)
- Ability to scale teams, processes, and operating models
- Decisiveness in fast-paced, technically intense environments
Governance & Surveillance
- Experience in technical governance, reviews, and customer engagements
- In-depth knowledge of risk, lifecycle controls, and safety compliance
Commercial Acumen
- Hands-on experience in engineering budgeting and financial planning
- Engagement in tendering, pricing, and margin optimisation
- Insight into make/buy decisions and supply chain strategy
Desirable Qualifications
- Exposure to roles beyond Tier 1 OEMs (systems integration, propulsion, MRO)
- Direct experience with regulators (CAA, EASA, FAA, MAA)
- MBSE and digital transformation expertise
- Globalisation: international collaborations across civil and defence sectors
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Innovation & Strategy
- Successful implementation of emerging technologies (automation, digital) into certified products
- Proven record in building partnerships and shaping engineering/technology roadmaps
- Awareness of cutting-edge trends like AI and sustainable materials
What We’ll Offer
Competitive Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive salary, tailored to your experience
- Short-Term Incentive (STIP) – up to 58% of base pay
- Long-Term Incentive (LTIP) – up to 50% of base pay
- Annual car allowance of £7,500
- ** Industry-leading pension scheme—employer match up to 12%**
- Comprehensive private medical & dental insurance for you and family
- Well-being package: annual personal health checks
- Life Assurance cover equal to 8x your salary
- 25 paid vacation days + all-inclusive bank holidays
- Flexible working policy—work-life integration is key
- Shopping discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme + Virtual GP for full family access
Career Aspirations & Growth Opportunities
We’re committed to rendering your career trajectory limitless. You’ll join a global aerospace pioneer where:
- Training and professional development are central to our mission
- Collaborative work environments encourage diversity of thought
- Proven recognition of excellence
Your future at GKN is in your hands, girded by industry-leading initiatives.
Why GKN Aerospace?
Start Connecting
“A Great Place to Work is born from Great Ways of Working.” Here’s how we practice it:
- We’re inclusive and exciting—embracing everyone’s voice in every context by living our five principles.
- Culture pioneered a ‘Best Workplace’ award because people thrive across our diversity.
Tailored support is available for accessibility needs—mention how we can adjust your application process!
Join the Mission
GKN Aerospace defines the nexus of human dreams and innovation. Every engineer, every ideas, every collaboration shapes the unveiling of tomorrow’s aviation.
Grab your seat at the forefront of cutting-edge aviation and Unleash Your Career.
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