Senior Design Engineer

Functieomschrijving

Senior Design Engineer EWIS - Components & Environmental Testing
GKN Aerospace – Design
Posted on Mar 25, 2026

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 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

• Play a key role in supporting the design, development, and validation & verification activities for Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) components and constructions (component assemblies).
• Perform trade‑off studies, advise on component selection, support component and construction qualification, prepare high‑quality technical documentation, and collaborate closely with the Engineering Design Team.
• Mentor and guide (Junior) Design Engineers, providing technical direction, reviewing their work, and helping them develop strong engineering practices and domain expertise.
• Contribute to the creation of test plans, preparation of test samples, execution of tests in our in‑house laboratory, and the subsequent reporting of results.
• Shape and mature next‑generation EWIS technologies for future aircraft applications.
• Report to the Centre of Competence – EWIS Components and Environmental testing (ECE) while taking guidance and direction on a project basis from the Technical lead (Sr. Engineer) and/or Principal Engineer (PE)/Engineering Team Lead (ETL) of the design engineering team.

Location: Fokker Elmo, Papendrecht, The Netherlands.

What you'll bring

• 5‑10 years of professional experience in a comparable engineering domain, preferably within aerospace, automotive, rail, or other major transportation industries.
• Proven system design background with hands‑on involvement in complex, multidisciplinary aerospace and/or transportation system architectures.
• Strong knowledge of electrical cable harness design, including component‑level understanding of connectors, terminals, backshells, splices, shielding, grounding, and protective coverings.
• Familiarity with defining and specifying parts, materials, and assemblies, including understanding of component interactions and system‑level impacts.
• Ability to interpret and apply industry standards (e.g., DO‑160, ARP4754A, MIL‑STD, ISO standards).
• Strong documentation and requirements management skills, including experience with tools like Codebeamer or equivalent systems.
• Demonstrated capability to lead technical reviews, resolve cross‑functional issues, and support design assurance activities.
• A proactive, analytical mindset, with the ability to troubleshoot complex system‑level issues.
• Experience with qualification processes, including communication and negotiation with suppliers and customers.

Soft skills

• Assertiveness: Willingness to learn and to 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 willing to support other team members in achieving team 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 and Fluent English in speech and writing, ability to communicate clearly and concisely (including technical reports) with flair and forthcomingness.
• Project Management: You master basic project management skills.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a comparable engineering environment, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other high‑reliability electronics design and development departments.

What we'll offer

• The role is in Grade L1/L2 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.

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 £2.5 bn. Fokker Elmo employs > 2200 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 their 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.

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.

#LI‑GD1

Opleidingsniveau: HBO
Carrièreniveau: Ervaren
Uren: 1 – 32 uur per week