Cryogenic-Electric EWIS Research Engineer

Cryogenic-Electric EWIS Research Engineer

Date: May 21, 2026

Location:Papendrecht, NL

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

 

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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The GKN Fokker Elmo Research & Technology (R&T) department is looking for an ambitious Research Engineer who wants to apply his/her theoretical background to the development of future Electrical (Wiring) Interconnection Systems for sustainable aircraft. Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) is becoming increasingly prevalent as a key part of the journey to full electric aircraft. GKN Aerospace, including GKN Fokker Elmo, is a forerunner in the development of cutting-edge cryogenic electrical power systems to be used within Hydrogen-electric aircraft.

What you'll do

A full-time position in the Research & Technology (R&T) department of Fokker Elmo, part of GKN Aerospace. You will participate within a European consortium including a number of cryogenic build & test companies, universities, knowledge institutes, and aerospace companies, working at the forefront of innovation to develop the first Hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion system. In this role, you will define equipment requirements, lead conceptual and detailed design activities, and play a crucial role in building a strong and reliable supply chain. You will work closely with partners and suppliers to ensure that the design intent is fully understood and relaized, whilst verifying the performance of the cryogenic-electrical aerospace products through comprehensive functional and environmental testing.

You will report to the Technology Team Lead of the Cryogenic Electrical Technology programs. The R&T department currently consists of 10-15 Technologists and will grow up to 20-25. The place of work will at the GKN Fokker Aerospace site in Papendrecht, The Netherlands.

What you'll bring

Knowledge, experience and qualifications:
•    Bachelor / Master degree in Engineering or Physics;
•    Familiarity with design and assembly principles of cryogenic components & equipment, ideally cryostats, 
•    Familarity of detail design & drafting , ideally with experience in Design for Manufacture and product realisation.
•    Familiarity with electrical power distribution equipment and design principles  
•    Familiarity with Systems Engineering including requirements definition, management & Means of Compliance
•    Experience working with and creating equipment specifications for use in the supply chain and working with suppliers to develop and deliver prototype test equipment.
•    Familiarity with 3-D Modelling, Model Based Defintion and 2-D drafting (e.g., CATIA or equivalent).
•    Experience or strong interest in cryogenic system development including manufacturing, assembly and hands-on testing.
•    Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the practical aspects of cryogenic hardware build and validation processes.

Desired behaviours & competencies:
•    Ability to operate effectively within a multi-national consortium and confidentally collaborating closely with international partners and suppliers.
•    Ability to determine approporate approaches to Engineering design process in a technology envirnmante (e.g. initial requirements, Means of Complaince, Design iterations, testing, V&V).
•    Ability to communciate well both in Dutch and English across NL & UK supply chains and partners.
•    Logical Programme Mamnagement mindset – able to plan, estimate, report and manage work packages under direct control.
•    Analytical ability: able to work on new topics / equipment by identifying and using common engineering practices and performing literature studies;
•    Innovative: has creative ideas to improve processes and products, and translating into action;
•    Initiative: is proactive and takes the initiative to ensure performance and delivery; 
•    Self-learning: willing to learn and explore, share knowledge with colleagues and improve yourself;
•    Cooperative: is a team-worker who is always willing to share their knowledge and capabilities amongst the team.

What we'll offer

We are committed to offer you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go to many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. By being part of GKN Aerospace that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, you will know that you will be working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry. We will support and promote your professional and personal development.

Furthermore, we will offer you:
•    The role is in Grade K and according to the CLA Metalektro,
•    8% holiday allowance,
•    40 paid holidays for full-time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro (27 holidays and 13 ADV days),
•    An excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance,
•    A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers.

Next to the attractive package, we will offer you a world of opportunities: we want to see your career fly! We will support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities.

Who we are

Aerospace
A leading player in the design, manufacturing and support for the Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for Aerospace and Defense programs. Their innovative tools and processes support  customers and represent a Unique Selling Point.

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading tier one aerospace supplier of systems and components. With over 15,000 employees across 38 manufacturing sites and 4 Global Technology Centers, they serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers with sales of £2.5bn. GKN Fokker Elmo employs >2200 employees worldwide.

GKN Aerospace is spearheading the design of a Hydrogen-electric powertrain that enables the cryogenic cooling of its power electronics and hyperconducting power feeders to achieve zero-emission flight with high efficiencies.

Journey
An innovative and international workplace in a company with a rich history in the field of aircraft construction. The company has a passion for technology and their staff is rightly proud of what they develop and build. At GKN Fokker Elmo, you will get every opportunity to build your career and work on your personal development!

How to Apply

Please apply online by sending us a Cover Letter and your CV. Due to data privacy reasons we do not handle any applications sent by email. For additional questions you can contact Ioanna Dimitriadi, Talent Acquisition Specialist, via View email address on careers.gknaerospace.com. 

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

 

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

 

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.​
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