Lead Manufacturing Engineer, NPI

About Us

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. With 38 manufacturing locations in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. We design and manufacture innovative smart aerospace systems and components. Our technologies are used in aircraft ranging from the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world to business jets and the world’s advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft.

About the opportunity

GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world, it is likely that GKN is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do.

Compensation Data

The compensation range for this position is:

$164,768 - $109,845

Job Summary

As Lead NPI Manufacturing Engineer, you will lead a team of design and manufacturing engineers in reviewing and evaluating new client bids and proposals presented to GKN Aerospace. The goal of the Lead NPI Manufacturing Engineer is to review, determine, and advise the manufacturability of a client’s request, in the production of military and/or commercial aircraft part(s). As Lead NPI Manufacturing Engineer, you will utilize the full breath of your engineering technical expertise and manufacturing industry knowledge to guide and coach engineering professionals through the process of NPI, when determining the production process feasibility of new products and/or process designs of a customer. 

Job Responsibilities

• NPI Manufacturing Engineer Lead develops technical solutions to complex problems and deliver a manufacturing system that fulfils all stakeholder requirements including; Safety, Logistics, Quality, Producibility & Business case
• Responsible for technical leadership of manufacturing system development and integration for production.
• Resolve issues pertaining to vendor schedule and/or quality.
• Responsible for delivering a manufacturing system definition that fulfils all requirements including:
  • Develop Lean tools for manufacturing and business processes
  • Quality, H&S, Design, Producibility, business case etc.
• Leadership of deployed manufacturing engineering team; accountable to the Program Manager(s) for delivering program technical objectives
• Build a Process Control mind-set within the deployed engineering team and ensure compliance to Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) standards.
• Accountable for product development, new product quotes, tool fabrication quotes, first article development, configuration changes that involve cost estimation, schedule coordination, build process definition, and implementation. Supports Make v Buy activities.
• Responsible for the implementation of tooling and or production planning, from original concept through to production. 
• Design these processes with a high degree of process capability utilizing the GKN standard ZDM tool suite to demonstrate as such.
• Lead engineering teams to deliver measurable, metrics driven results in line with Program goals. 
• Responsible for training and maintaining the ME team to GKN ME standards.
• Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
• Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives
• Support the Design Chief Engineers on their technical reviews (internal & external) as required
• Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives
• Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)
• 3 years of professional experience in NPI (New Product Introduction) of manufacturing processes for aerospace product build and/or similar industries.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and/or program requirements, with ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership role managing manufacturing and engineering functions and personnel for aerospace product build and/or similar industries.
• Experience with LEAN manufacturing processes and practices
• Ability to influence people, build trust and establish effect