Engineer - Data & Configuration Management

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.

Shape the Future of Unmanned Aviation at GKN Fokker Aerospace!
After decades as a leading Tier-1 supplier to top civil and defense OEMs, GKN Fokker Aerospace is entering a bold new chapter. We’re returning to our roots as a system integrator—this time in the cutting-edge world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). At our site in Hoogeveen, we’re building a completely new unmanned aircraft. Ready to take off?

Your Role in the UAV Project: You will join a multidisciplinary team of 10–15 engineers who are pioneering the development of a reliable, high-performance UAV system. From concept to production, everything happens right here in Hoogeveen. With the support of experienced component builders, we deliver a final product that meets the highest standards. From day one, you’ll be involved and empowered to share your vision and expertise. This project has an international scope. You’ll work closely with colleagues and partners across GKN’s global network and travel regularly (approx. 15%) to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge.

Voor dit baanbrekende project zoeken wij een Engineer Data & Configuratiebeheer binnen onze afdeling Defense Engineering & Technology. In deze rol ben jij verantwoordelijk voor het beheer van product-, systeem- en softwareconfiguraties gedurende de hele levenscyclus. Jij zorgt dat documentatie en wijzigingen volledig traceerbaar en conform industriestandaarden zijn. Je werkt in een toegewijd projectteam en speelt een sleutelrol in de ontwikkeling van geavanceerde defensiesystemen.

Wij zoeken een capabele, flexibele engineer met oog voor detail en een passie voor technologie. Iemand die wil bijdragen aan de toekomst van defensieproducten en zich thuis voelt in een dynamische, internationale omgeving.

To support this groundbreaking initiative, our Defense Engineering & Technology department in Hoogeveen is looking for a Data & Configuration Management Engineer. In this key role, you’ll manage product, system, and software configurations throughout the entire lifecycle. You’ll ensure documentation and change processes are fully traceable and compliant with industry standards. As part of a dedicated project team, you’ll help shape the future of advanced defense systems.

We are looking for a capable, flexible engineer with a passion for technology. Someone eager to contribute to the future of defense innovation and thrive in a dynamic, international environment.

In this role, you will

• Develop and maintain configuration management plans, processes, and procedures in accordance with aerospace standards.
• Manage product baselines (functional, allocated, and product) across the system lifecycle.
• Control and track engineering changes through formal change control boards (CCB’s).
• Interface with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management to ensure configuration integrity.
• Support the release and revision control of engineering drawings, specifications, and software.
• Ensure compliance with export control regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR) in documentation and data handling.
• Co-ordinate with other engineering disciplines and subject matter experts, as well as work with external and international partners.

To be successful you will bring

• Bachelor or Master Degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in configuration management within the aerospace or defense industry. Familiarity with aerospace product development lifecycle and systems engineering principles.
• Extensive knowledge of configuration management principles, processes and standards (e.g., CMII, AS9100).
• An ability to plan, lead and deliver technical Configuration Management activities.

Ideally but not essential

• Experience with PLM/CM tools such as PTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter, or Dassault ENOVIA to manage product data and documentation.
• Knowledge of defense products and systems related technologies such as sensors, guidance, navigation, propulsion, datalinks, etc. is preferred.
• Understanding of Defence, Military or other aerospace standards and design assurance processes.

Soft skills

• Excellent problem solving, analytical, organizational, documentation and communication skills.
• Collaborative, open approach to development and have the ability to work well in a team and maintain momentum during development.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel internationally to partners, suppliers, or other GKN locations as needed

What We 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:

• A gross monthly salary based on the Metalektro collective labor agreement (CAO), within the medior L2 scale, ranging from €5,659 to €6,792 depending on knowledge and experience. If senior-level experience is applicable, the M scale may be used, with a maximum of € 7.400,-
• 8% holiday allowance
• 42 paid holidays for full-time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro (29 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

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.