Chief Manufacturing Engineer

GKN Aerospace

Chief Manufacturing Engineer leading manufacturing system development and engineering projects at GKN Aerospace. Ensuring technical, quality, and regulatory requirements are met for innovative aerospace solutions.

Posted 5/11/2026full-timeRemote • Arizona, Kansas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development, industrialisation and improvement of Manufacturing Systems
Serve as the customer-facing representative of the ME function
Focus on delivery of non-recurring engineering projects, including New Product Introductions (NPI), Transfers of Work (ToW), Major Modifications (Mods), Technology Insertions and resolving manufacturing process related quality and delivery challenges
Lead deployed ME resources to deliver manufacturing systems in compliance with identified requirements
Ensure adherence to Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) standards
Validate and approve the proposed definition of the Manufacturing System and its associated performance targets
Review output for technical risks and communicate these to the Programme
Own the Non-Recurring Engineering cost estimate for the ME technical content delivery
Deliver a Manufacturing System that fulfills all agreed stakeholder requirements
Govern and oversee a portfolio of Manufacturing Systems
Accountable for delivery of the non-recurring ME activities within a given programme or project
Drive technical leadership and direction using project management fundamentals
Maintain positive and functional working relationships with internal and external customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering, with a professional qualification (university degree) in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) or in lieu of a degree 8 years of experience in a manufacturing engineer role
Minimum of 8 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, working with quality system models such as ISO9000 or AS9100
Experience developing manufacturing systems for New Product Introduction (NPI) with emphasis on industrialisation through a lifecycle gate process
Demonstrated leadership skills to organise and drive technical projects to achieve business goals, preferably in complex multi-site environments
Experience identifying and delivering industrial productivity improvements and monitoring their efficacy by setting appropriate metrics
Ability to lead and influence people, build trust and establish effective working relationships within a global organisation and with external customer stakeholders
Fluent in English language, both written and spoken.
Proven ability to lead change in a Manufacturing System with evidence of delivering significant improvements in terms of cost, quality or throughput
Deep, expert knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more manufacturing process areas (e.g. machining, forming, welding, composites, assembly, metrology)
Working knowledge of digital systems for manufacturing (PLM, MES, ERP).
Project / Programme Management Professional Qualification
Experience with AS9145 APQP process or equivalent
Six Sigma Certification.

Benefits

Comp & perks

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN
Commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging
Accessible recruitment process

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Manufacturing EngineeringNew Product Introduction (NPI)industrialisationquality system modelsISO9000AS9100manufacturing process areasmachiningformingwelding

Soft Skills

leadershiporganisational skillscommunicationrelationship buildinginfluencingtrust buildingchange managementproject managementproblem-solvingcollaboration

Certifications

Project / Programme Management Professional QualificationSix Sigma Certification