Chief Engineer Manufacturing Systems (Industrial Architect)

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 15,000 employees across 41 manufacturing sites in 13 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

As the Chief Engineer Manufacturing Systems (Industrial Architect) within GKN Civil Business Line, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our aerospace manufacturing systems. Your primary responsibility will be to design and create optimal manufacturing systems based on our current and emergent technologies for both New Product Introduction and existing incumbent product lines to enhance efficiency and productivity. This role will have a direct impact on our ability to maintain a competitive edge in the aerospace industry and enable the foundations for the next generation of flight structures manufacturing.

Job Responsibilities

• Manufacturing System Design: Develop innovative and efficient aerospace manufacturing systems, considering advanced technologies and the ‘best fit’ for a given product, site and maturity.
• Productivity: Working with technologists and subject matter experts drive improved productivity of existing and new manufacturing processes though identifying key areas for optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Bids & New Work: Support bid teams by assessing customer demands and requirements and though knowledge of existing capability propose multiple system architectures for consideration.
• Relationships: Collaborate with engineering, production, quality assurance, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of architectural designs, changes and process improvements.
• Organizational Development: Improve and help develop better ways of working within the teams that promote knowledge growth, collaboration, agility, and effectiveness within the Manufacturing Engineering function and production teams.
  
  

Essential

Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees and certifications are a plus.
• Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, process engineering, or industrial architecture, with a proven track record of successful project execution.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of manufacturing system design technologies, aerospace manufacturing & operational management philosophy.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, including budgeting, timeline management, and risk assessment.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyse complex data sets and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present architectural concepts and project updates to stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing manufacturing technologies and industry trends.
  
  

Desirable

• Certifications: Relevant certifications in industrial architecture, Lean Six Sigma, or project management.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with simulation software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Research and Development Experience: Experience in research and development of innovative manufacturing processes and systems.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership experience in guiding teams and leading transformative initiatives.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of aerospace industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Experience deploying APQP & PPAP
• Understanding of part 21sub part G and EN/AS9100 requirements
• Knowledge of HSE requirements such as PUWER and COSHH
  
  

Travel requirements

Must be prepared to travel internationally as and when the role requires.

What's in it for you?

Besides an innovative and international work environment that offers you a good work-life balance

We offer you opportunities to learn and grow, a competitive salary within Grade N, pension plan, 29 vacation days / 13 ADV days and travel allowance (from 10 km single journey) as well.

How to apply?

Are you interested in this position and does your background meet the requirements? Please use the ‘Apply Now’ button. Questions? Please contact our Recruiter Joanne Grafton via joanne.grafton@fokker.com

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’ last year. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.