Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - Systems Engineering
Date: Sep 11, 2026
Location: Hoogeveen, NL
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
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.
To support this groundbreaking initiative, our Defense Engineering & Technology department in Hoogeveen is looking for a Principal Engineer - Design Architecture & Simulation. As part of a dedicated project team, you'll help shape the future of advanced defense systems with your experience of system architecture, modelling, and simulation. The Principal Engineer plays a pivotal role in the development of multi-domain vehicle architectures and advanced behaviour and performance models for next-generation autonomous and unmanned defence systems.
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You will be part of a dedicated, multidisciplinary project team within GKN to develop, integrate, implement, and verify technical solutions and compliance documentation; compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness r...