Manufacturing Engineer at GKN Aerospace Garden Grove, CA

Job Summary

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with 3‑5 years of experience to join the Sustainment Manufacturing Engineering Team. This role focuses on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, with a strong emphasis on lamination, metal deposition, coatings of acrylic‑based applications. The ideal candidate will be eager to grow in a fast‑paced aerospace environment and demonstrate foundational proficiency across core manufacturing engineering competencies.

• Support implementation of APQP and AS9145 methodologies.
• Assist in developing PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, and validation protocols.
• Contribute to first article inspection (FAIR) and ensure AS9102 compliance.
• Apply strict clean room protocols and SPC analysis (Cp/Cpk) to critical processes.
• Participate in process optimization for repeatability, efficiency, and defect reduction.

• Support development and troubleshooting of acrylics (bonding, forming, or finishing)
• Support development and troubleshooting of lamination (composite or adhesive‑based)
• Support development and troubleshooting of metal deposition (vacuum metallising, thermal spray, plating, or additive processes)
• Support development and troubleshooting of coatings (functional, protective, or aesthetic)

• Interpret engineering drawings and contribute to tooling design and CAD modeling (Siemens NX preferred).
• Assist in creating and maintaining work instructions and revision control.
• Support MRB/PRB activities and nonconformance disposition.
• Participate in internal/external audits and layered process audits.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and site corrective action processes.

• Contribute to Lean projects and capital/tooling implementation.
• Apply root cause analysis tools (DMAIC, 8D, Fishbone, 5‑Whys) to resolve issues.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to align stakeholders and support project execution.
• Present technical findings and support project tracking/reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3‑5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, preferably in aerospace or regulated environments.
• Exposure to lamination, metal deposition, coatings, or acrylic‑based manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with APQP, AS9145, PFMEA, SPC, and FAIR documentation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000, AS9100, or D1‑9000 quality systems.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations.
• Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally internationally.

• Experience with Teamcenter PLM, ECNs, and CAD tools (Siemens NX preferred).
• Exposure to clean room protocols and MSA techniques.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturability and Characteristics Matrix.
• Participation in Lean initiatives or Six Sigma training.
• Strong time and priority management skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Compensation Range: $91,083.00 – $.