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Survivability Analysis Engineer - Job Opportunity at GKN Fokker Aerospace

Hoogeveen, Netherlands
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
EUR 3,700 - 6,400 per month

Benefits

Competitive salary package positioned within mid-tier aerospace industry standards, offering potential for performance-based progression
Comprehensive pension scheme providing long-term financial security typical of established Dutch aerospace companies
Holiday allowance exceeding standard Dutch statutory requirements, reflecting company investment in work-life balance
Access to cutting-edge professional development programs in defense technologies, enhancing career marketability
Opportunity to contribute to mission-critical defense applications with direct impact on military personnel safety
Exposure to advanced technology innovation initiatives in ballistic protection and composite materials

Key Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of technical solutions ensuring compliance with stringent defense industry regulations and airworthiness standards
Drive technical problem-solving initiatives by identifying complex engineering challenges and integrating innovative solutions across multidisciplinary teams
Execute strategic method plans and toolsets to achieve critical design objectives for defense platform protection systems
Provide technical leadership in bid and proposal processes, translating customer requirements into viable engineering solutions
Conduct comprehensive technical risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for high-stakes defense projects
Architect and maintain advanced simulation tools for ballistic protection engineering, establishing technical standards for the organization
Create and oversee test specifications and validation strategies ensuring product compliance with defense industry standards
Design cost-optimized, manufacturable solutions following DFMA principles to enhance production efficiency and profitability
Generate critical project deliverables including technical documentation and reports for stakeholder communication
Lead technical reviews and customer presentations, representing the organization's engineering capabilities
Manage non-conformance processes and implement corrective solutions to maintain quality standards
Mentor junior engineers through peer reviews while operating with minimal supervision
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in work instructions, procedures, and technical guidelines
Collaborate with manufacturing teams during prototype development and serial production phases
Ensure product qualification and compliance documentation processes meet regulatory requirements

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical discipline, or equivalent experience

Experience

Relevant experience in Analysis Engineering, preferably within the aerospace sector

Required Skills

Ability to obtain check/approval status where required Self-motivated, capable of taking initiative within defined procedures and governance Skilled in conveying technical information clearly to diverse audiences Ability to engage in technical discussions with customers and suppliers Strong skills in analyzing and interpreting customer requirements
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The defense aerospace sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by geopolitical tensions and increased military spending across NATO countries, with particular emphasis on survivability technologies and ballistic protection systems. This trend is creating sustained demand for specialized engineers who can develop next-generation protection solutions for military aircraft and ground vehicles. Composite materials and lightweight protection systems are becoming critical differentiators in defense contracts, as military organizations seek to balance protection levels with weight constraints and operational efficiency. Engineers with expertise in these areas are increasingly valuable as companies compete for major defense programs. The integration of advanced simulation and modeling tools in defense engineering is accelerating, driven by the need for rapid prototyping and validation of protection systems. This technological shift is creating opportunities for engineers who can bridge traditional ballistic analysis with modern computational methods.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of EUR 3,700-6,400 per month (approximately EUR 44,400-76,800 annually) is competitive for the Dutch aerospace market, positioning slightly above median levels for mid-level defense engineers. This range reflects the specialized nature of survivability analysis and the premium that defense contractors pay for security-cleared technical talent.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a multidisciplinary team of 8-15 engineers, with direct collaboration across design, manufacturing, and test organizations. The role likely involves leading 2-4 junior engineers on specific projects while reporting to a senior engineering manager.
This role represents a mid-to-senior level position with significant technical autonomy and responsibility for critical defense applications. The requirement for minimal supervision and peer review responsibilities indicates a position that serves as a technical leader within the engineering organization.

Key Projects

Development of next-generation ballistic protection systems for military aircraft and ground vehicles Integration of advanced composite materials into structural protection solutions Validation and certification of survivability systems for major defense programs Customer-specific protection system customization for international defense contracts

Success Factors

Deep understanding of ballistic protection principles combined with practical manufacturing constraints, enabling the development of solutions that are both technically effective and commercially viable Strong stakeholder management skills to navigate complex customer relationships with defense organizations while maintaining technical integrity and meeting stringent regulatory requirements Ability to balance innovation with risk management in high-stakes defense applications where failure can have life-or-death consequences for military personnel Proficiency in advanced simulation tools and modeling techniques to accelerate development cycles and reduce physical testing requirements Cross-functional collaboration skills to work effectively with manufacturing, quality, and program management teams throughout the product development lifecycle

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased defense spending and the specialized nature of survivability analysis expertise, with limited talent pool possessing the required combination of aerospace engineering and ballistic protection knowledge.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Structural analysis and finite element modeling capabilities are essential for developing effective protection systems that can withstand ballistic impacts while maintaining structural integrity. These skills directly impact the technical success of survivability solutions and are fundamental to the role's core responsibilities. Understanding of ballistic protection principles and materials science is critical for selecting appropriate materials and design approaches. This specialized knowledge differentiates survivability engineers from general aerospace engineers and is essential for developing effective protection systems. Project management and customer interface skills are vital for success in defense contracting, where complex stakeholder relationships and stringent requirements management are standard. The ability to navigate these relationships directly impacts program success and career advancement.

Beneficial Skills

Security clearance eligibility would significantly enhance career opportunities and access to classified defense programs, potentially increasing compensation and advancement prospects Experience with certification and airworthiness processes would be valuable for ensuring solutions meet regulatory requirements and can be successfully deployed in operational environments Knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost optimization would help in developing commercially viable solutions that balance performance with production feasibility

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge survivability technologies that directly protect military personnel, providing significant mission purpose and impact
Access to advanced composite materials and ballistic protection technologies that represent the forefront of aerospace engineering
Exposure to international defense programs and customers, providing broad industry experience and networking opportunities
Integration of traditional aerospace engineering with specialized defense applications, creating unique technical expertise that is highly valued in the market

Career Growth

Progression to senior technical roles typically occurs within 3-5 years, with management opportunities available within 5-7 years for high performers who demonstrate both technical excellence and leadership capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Survivability Engineer with expanded technical leadership responsibilities Principal Engineer specializing in advanced protection systems Engineering Manager overseeing survivability and protection programs Technical Director for defense engineering initiatives Systems Engineering roles in major defense contractors

Company Overview

GKN Fokker Aerospace

GKN Fokker Aerospace is a well-established player in the global aerospace supply chain, with particular strength in composite materials and structural solutions for both commercial and defense applications. The company has a strong heritage in aerospace engineering and maintains strategic partnerships with major aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors worldwide.

Positioned as a tier-1 supplier in the aerospace industry with significant market share in specialized composite and protection systems. The company competes effectively against larger aerospace conglomerates by focusing on technical excellence and innovation in niche applications.
The Netherlands location provides access to a strong aerospace ecosystem with proximity to major European aerospace hubs, while offering competitive operational costs compared to other Western European markets. The region's focus on high-tech manufacturing aligns well with advanced defense applications.
Engineering-focused culture that emphasizes technical excellence and innovation, with strong emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development. The defense focus creates a mission-driven environment where employees understand the critical importance of their work in protecting military personnel.
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