Principal Design Engineer

Principal Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Environmental Testing

Company: GKN Aerospace – Design
Posted on: Mar 25, 2026

About GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We are proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

• Over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries
• Serve over 90 % of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers
• Achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023
• No limits to where you can take your career

Job Summary

The Engineering department of GKN Aerospace's EWIS solutions (Fokker Elmo) is looking for an ambitious Engineer who wants to apply his/her theoretical background, experience, interests and ambitions to the development of future Electrical (Wiring) Interconnection Systems for sustainable aircraft. Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) already became more prevalent as part of the More Electric Aircraft, however today the journey to full Electric and Hybrid‑Electric aircraft adds a new chapter to its technology significance. This will include both High Voltage High Power (HVHP) EWIS developments as well as disruptive technologies for the transmission of low voltage data signals.

What you'll do

As an EWIS Principal Design Engineer, you will serve as the design authority within your specific area of expertise, leading the development and the validation & verification of EWIS components and constructions (component assemblies). In this role, you will define the technical direction for complex EWIS solutions, establish design strategies, and ensure robust, compliant, and high‑quality engineering outcomes across multiple projects.

Your responsibilities include leading trade‑off studies, defining component selection strategies, overseeing component and construction qualification, and delivering high‑quality technical documentation. You will collaborate closely with the Engineering Design Team, acting as a key decision‑maker and technical reference point for EWIS component design.

In this principal role, you will also mentor, coach, and technically guide Senior, Mid‑level, and Junior Design Engineers, ensuring consistent engineering excellence, reviewing critical work packages, and fostering the development of advanced EWIS domain expertise within the team.

You will report to the Centre of Manager – EWIS Components and Environmental Testing (ECE). For project‑specific activities, you will collaborate closely with the Technical Lead (Senior Engineer) and/or the Engineering Team Lead (ETL) within the Design team. The primary place of work will be GKN Fokker Elmo, Papendrecht, The Netherlands.

What you'll bring

• 10+ years of professional experience in a comparable engineering domain, ideally within aerospace, automotive, rail, or other high‑reliability transportation industries.
• Extensive system design background with proven leadership in complex, multidisciplinary aerospace and/or transportation system architectures.
• Expert‑level knowledge of electrical cable harness design, including deep component‑level understanding of connectors, terminals, backshells, splices, shielding, grounding, protective coverings, and integration constraints.
• Strong capability in defining and specifying parts, materials, and assemblies, with a clear understanding of component interactions, system‑level impacts, and design trade‑offs.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying industry standards (e.g., DO‑160, ARP4754A, MIL‑STD, ISO standards) and translating them into practical design requirements.
• Advanced documentation and requirements management skills, including experience with tools such as Codebeamer or equivalent systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, resolve complex cross‑functional issues, and support design assurance and compliance activities.
• Highly analytical and proactive mindset, capable of diagnosing and resolving complex system‑level engineering challenges.
• Experience with qualification and certification processes, including effective communication and negotiation with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Soft skills

• Assertiveness: Willingness to learn and broaden own knowledge; takes initiative to help improve processes and procedures.
• Teamwork: Able to work constructively in a small (multicultural) team, taking responsibility for assigned tasks and supporting other team members in achieving targets and deadlines.
• Results‑driven: Able to plan own work in line with project schedules, and report progress regularly and timely in the event of issues or delays.
• Self‑learning: Willing to learn and explore, share knowledge with colleagues and improve yourself.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies; fluent English in speech and writing, ability to communicate clearly and concisely (including technical reports) with flair and forthcomingness.
• Project Management: Master basic project management skills.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. An advanced degree is considered an advantage.
• Extensive professional experience—typically 10+ years—in a high‑reliability engineering environment such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other advanced electronics design and development domains, with a demonstrated track record of technical leadership and ownership.

What we'll offer

• The role is in Grade M and according to the CLA Metalektro.
• 8 % holiday allowance.
• 42 paid holidays for full‑time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro.
• 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.
• Career progression support through learning and development opportunities.

Who we are

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 £2.5 bn. Fokker Elmo employs >2,200 employees worldwide.

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 its staff is rightly proud of what they develop and build. At 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 your CV and motivation letter. Due to data privacy reasons we do not handle any applications sent by email. For additional questions you can contact the Talent Acquisition Specialist via the provided contact details.

• Opleidingsniveau: HBO
• Carrièreniveau: Ervaren
• Uren: 33 – 40 uur per week