Manufacturing Engineer

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  2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary It’s great to know you’re making a difference to the future of aviation! Whatever part you play you’ll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers.

At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead capital expenditure (Cap Ex) projects to deploy new production equipment, automated systems, and advanced industrial solutions within an aerospace manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will manage the end‑to‑end lifecycle of Cap Ex projects including concept development, business case creation, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.

The successful applicant will work a 4.5-day week, including flexitime in a full-time permanent capacity, equating to a 35 hour week as part of a small team of Manufacturing Engineers.

How You'll Contribute The successful applicant will:

Prepare detailed equipment specifications that meet aerospace standards for precision, traceability, and repeatability.  Design future processes implementing lean tools and methods in accordance with the GKN standard lean tool suite

Ensure new equipment meets aerospace requirements such as NADCAP, AS9100, and internal engineering specifications. Validate equipment and processes through capability studies (Cp/Cpk), PFMEA, control plans, and process documentation

Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances

Ensure the delivery of expected benefits by driving projects to completion, on time and on budget, validating performance outcomes, and confirming that all operational, financial, and strategic objectives are fully achieved

Build meaningful, lasting relationships with highly skilled operators, ensuring that any systems or equipment introduced are both appropriate and embraced

Work closely with Production, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless industrial deployment

Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers

Continuously improve production and internal processes by implementing Lean initiatives

Exemplify a safety-first mind-set and ensure compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards

Ensure all new equipment complies with aerospace safety and certification rules (e.g., CE marking, machinery directives, EHS regulations)
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:

Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering, with a professional qualification / background (university degree) in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)
Proven experience in Cap Ex project management within the aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing sector

Practical experience with industrial…