Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning

The Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning at GKN Aerospace is primarily responsible for delivering manufacturing process technology that ensures zero-defect outcomes. This includes developing technical solutions for complex manufacturing challenges, supporting process integration in production, and maintaining safety standards. You'll also implement Lean initiatives to improve production processes and be involved in product development from concept to production.

To qualify for the Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning position at GKN Aerospace, candidates typically need a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling over five years. A degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing is preferred, along with at least one year of experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally within the aerospace sector, and U.S. Citizenship due to program security requirements.

At GKN Aerospace, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to our workplace culture. The company fosters an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This commitment has won us the ‘Best Workplace Culture Award’ and allows our diverse workforce to thrive and innovate together.

GKN Aerospace is dedicated to employee development and offers myriad opportunities for career advancement. As a Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning, you will receive industry-leading training and professional development, empowering you to take on more complex projects, explore various engineering disciplines, and grow within the company as you contribute to cutting-edge aerospace innovations.

Safety is a top priority for GKN Aerospace, and as a Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning, you'll exemplify a safety-first mindset. You'll be responsible for ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental policies and standards, helping to foster a safe workplace while executing your engineering duties.

Certainly! When discussing your experience with Lean methodologies, provide specific examples of how you've implemented Lean principles in past positions. Highlight tools like value stream mapping or Kaizen events, and explain how these initiatives led to measurable improvements in efficiency or waste reduction.

In response to this question, think of a particular challenge you've faced in manufacturing. Discuss the problem, the steps you took to analyze the situation, and the innovative solution you executed, emphasizing how it benefited the project or company.

Here, you should focus on explaining your process for prioritization. Discuss tools such as project management software or frameworks like the Eisenhower matrix, ensuring to illustrate how you assess urgency and importance to make informed decisions.

When answering this question, mention specific instances where you adhered to or improved processes within these quality systems. Discuss how compliance influenced manufacturing processes and product quality and the positive impacts on project outcomes.

Discuss your methodology for root cause analysis, such as utilizing the 5 Whys or fishbone diagrams. Provide examples where identifying the root cause successfully led to corrective actions, thereby eliminating future non-conformances.

Illustrate your preferred communication styles and collaborative tools you've utilized, such as Slack, Jira, or regular team meetings. Explain how these methods have positively influenced project outcomes and team relationships.

Emphasize the importance of safety in engineering. Discuss your approach to staying updated on safety regulations, conducting risk assessments, and training team members on compliance protocols to maintain a secure working environment.

Provide a specific situation where you identified inefficiencies in a process, describe the changes you implemented, and detail the results. Quantifiable impacts, such as time savings or reduced costs, will strengthen your answer.

Mention resources that you utilize for staying informed, such as relevant journals, online courses, or professional organizations. Discuss how you apply this knowledge to benefit your work and improve processes.

Share your aspirations in the context of GKN Aerospace. Discuss how you plan to grow your skills, take on increasing responsibilities, and contribute to the company's mission while advancing your own career.