Digital Data Lead at GKN Aerospace in Bristol, England, GB

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.

Summary

Based at GKN's Global Technology Centre, Bristol the Senior Engineer – Digital Data Lead is responsible for the development, governance, and continuous improvement of Hydrogen Systems Engineering Data Management and AI adoption roadmap.

The role ensures the effective management, integration, traceability, and governance of engineering information across the product lifecycle, enabling a connected Model-Based Enterprise environment. Working across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Programmes, and IT, the post holder will lead the optimisation of engineering data platforms, establish robust data governance, and drive the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities that improve productivity, decision-making, knowledge management, and lifecycle performance.

Acting as the subject matter expert for Engineering Information Management, and AI-enabled engineering transformation, the role will support the delivery of business, engineering, and manufacturing objectives through the effective use of data, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence, requiring close work with the Systems Engineering Team and the Systems Engineering Framework.

How You'll Contribute

The Digital Data Lead will be responsible for the following:

• Engineering Platforms & Systems Integration – Responsible for the effective deployment, optimisation, governance, and integration of engineering lifecycle management platforms, including PLM, MBSE, ALM, CAD, and associated enterprise systems. Accountable for enabling end-to-end data connectivity, interoperability, and configuration control.

• AI Enablement & Digital Innovation – Accelerating engineering output and effectivity of our teams through deployment of AI approach and tools. Responsible for the development and execution of the Engineering AI adoption roadmap. Accountable for identifying, prioritising, and delivering AI-enabled capabilities that improve engineering productivity, knowledge management, decision-making, automation, and lifecycle performance while ensuring responsible and secure use.

• Data Governance & Compliance – Responsible for establishing and maintaining engineering data governance frameworks, standards, policies, and ownership models. Accountable for ensuring compliance with business, customer, regulatory, security, and certification requirements relating to engineering information and AI-enabled solutions.

• Analytics & Performance Management – Responsible for defining and monitoring engineering data, and AI performance measures. Accountable for providing data-driven insights that support engineering performance, operational effectiveness, and evidence-based decision-making.

What you'll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in Engineering Data Management, PLM, MBSE, Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, or related technical leadership roles.
• Experience developing and implementing engineering lifecycle management strategies, governance frameworks, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience leading engineering platform deployment, optimisation, integration, or continuous improvement programmes.
• Experience delivering organisational change and driving adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Experience assessing, implementing, or governing AI, analytics, automation, or digital technologies within engineering or manufacturing environment

Technical Knowledge

• PTC Windchill, Codebeamer, Modeler or equivalent toolsets.
• Engineering Configuration Management.
• Digital Thread and Model-Based Enterprise concepts.
• Systems Engineering and MBSE methodologies.
• Data Governance and Information Management.
• Engineering Change Management.
• Engineering data architectures and AI-enabled engineering solutions

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Data Management, or a related discipline.

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• Up to 15% Bonus
• Access to a salary sacrifice EV scheme giving tax and national insurance savings
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

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. ​ ​