Research Engineer - Digital Transformation Engineer

Research Engineer - Digital Transformation Engineer

Date: 14 Sept 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 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

At GKN Aerospace, we are shaping the next generation of aircraft manufacturing. By leveraging smart digital technologies, data analytics, and innovative production methods, we make our processes smarter, faster, and more efficient.

As a Research Engineer - Digital Transformation Engineer, you will be part of our Aerospace R&D team in the Netherlands. You will collaborate with engineers, manufacturing experts, and technology partners to develop practical solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will actively contribute to the digital transformation of our manufacturing and engineering environment. You will help turn data into valuable insights and support projects that improve the way we work.

• Support digital improvement initiatives across manufacturing and engineering.
• Develop and maintain data-driven solutions that connect people, processes, and technology.
• Translate manufacturing challenges into practical, data-driven solutions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across engineering, operations, IT, and external technology partners.
• Help implement and further develop new digital manufacturing technologies.
• Present technical insights and results clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Explore and evaluate emerging developments in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital manufacturing.

Job Qualifications

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a curious and analytically minded professional who is energized by innovation and technological advancement.

• Knowledge of modern digital manufacturing technologies and smart factory applications.
• Experience with databases, system integrations, and industrial data platforms.
• Understanding of data analytics and the development of scalable data solutions.
• The ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.
• Strong analytical skills and a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts in a clear and understandable way.
• The ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A self-driven mindset, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to prioritize effectively.

Nice to Have

Do you also have experience with or an interest in the topics below? That's a plus, but certainly not a requirement.

• Interest in or experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning, or generative AI.
• Knowledge of digital twins, simulation technologies, or decision-support systems.
• Experience with software development, automation, or cloud-based solutions.
• Familiarity with tools and technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, and version control systems.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

At GKN Aerospace, you will have the opportunity to work on technologies that contribute to the production of the aircraft of the future. You'll be given the freedom to explore new ideas, experiment, and develop innovative solutions. In addition, we offer an attractive benefits package, including:

• A salary within Scale K of the Metalektro Collective Labour Agreement, ranging from €3,952 to €5,712 gross per month, depending on experience.
• 40 days of annual leave (based on a full-time position).
• 8% holiday allowance.
• A competitive PME pension scheme and travel allowance.

Why GKN Aerospace?

At GKN Aerospace, we believe innovation starts with curious people. That's why we invest in your development and provide the space to explore new technologies, experiment, and make a real impact. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.

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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