Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning (Bristol, GB)

## Unveiling a Career in Aerospace Manufacturing: A Deep Dive into the Manufacturing Engineer Opportunity at GKN Aerospace For ambitious professionals looking to shape the future of air travel, GKN Aerospace presents a compelling opportunity. This review aims to provide potential candidates with a clear understanding of the Manufacturing Engineer role at their Filton site, highlighting the advantages and key considerations for career growth within a pioneering organization.

GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of reimagining air travel, driven by a commitment to going further, faster, and greener. Their impressive scale, with over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, serves a significant portion of the global aircraft and engine market, reflecting a strong and stable industry presence. This role offers a chance to contribute to operational excellence and to be part of a company that is deeply invested in innovation, sustainability, and protecting our planet.

The Filton site specifically focuses on the intricate design and manufacture of large, complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components, and wing systems for both civil and military aircraft. This specialization offers a unique environment for engineers to immerse themselves in advanced manufacturing processes.

### What This Role Entails: Key Responsibilities and Contributions As a Manufacturing Engineer at GKN Aerospace, you will be instrumental in delivering zero-defect projects and ensuring operational excellence. Your contributions will span a range of critical areas:

• Process Implementation & Development: You will be responsible for implementing materials and process methods from concept through to production, ensuring high levels of process capability using GKN's Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite.
• Project Management: This role involves strong project management skills, overseeing complex or multiple projects from initial approval through to production and delivery, while validating customer expectations and stakeholder relationships.
• Technical Support & Problem Solving: You will provide crucial engineering capability to operational programs, resolving system errors, addressing vendor quality issues, and offering technical feedback to customers. This includes utilizing root cause analysis and implementing preventative and corrective actions to minimize non-conformances.
• Change Management: A key responsibility will be creating and managing change implementation plans to ensure modifications are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Continuous Improvement: You'll have the opportunity to apply specialist knowledge to improve efficiency, product quality, and reduce non-conforming parts, actively implementing Lean initiatives.
• Safety & Compliance: Exemplifying a safety-first mindset and ensuring adherence to GKN Aerospace's Health, Safety, and Environmental policies is paramount.

### Advantages for Your Career Path: Why Consider This Opportunity? This position offers significant advantages for aspiring and established Manufacturing Engineers:

• Cutting-Edge Industry Exposure: Work within a company at the cutting edge of the aerospace industry, contributing to innovative and groundbreaking advancements in air travel.
• Global Impact: Be part of a global business that impacts over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers, offering a broad scope of influence.
• Career Development: GKN Aerospace is committed to supporting your career progression through dedicated learning and development opportunities. The "no limits to where you can take your career" promise is backed by a global business structure that opens diverse pathways.
• Work-Life Balance: The role offers a 4.5-day week, including flexitime, culminating in a 35-hour week, which can contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
• Tangible Contributions: Directly contribute to the future of aviation and the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a collaborative and dynamic working environment that values diversity, inclusion, and belonging, as evidenced by their "Best Workplace Culture Award."

### Key Considerations for Candidates: To thrive in this role, candidates should carefully consider the following:

• Essential Skills: A strong foundation in manufacturing engineering is crucial. Essential qualifications include an HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent practical experience. The ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documents, proficiency in MS Office, and flexibility to manage changing priorities are non-negotiable.
• Desirable Expertise: While not strictly required, candidates with knowledge and experience in Lean tools and techniques, SAP or similar business software, CMII qualification, a BSc in Engineering, or Prince2 project management certification will find themselves particularly well-suited for the role and likely have an edge.
• Problem-Solving Acumen: The role demands strong problem-solving skills, the ability to conduct root cause analysis, and a proactive approach to identifying and rectifying issues.
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent organizational, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills are vital for effective collaboration with internal teams, customers, and suppliers. The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a wider team is essential.
• Commitment to Excellence: A positive, "can-do" attitude and a commitment to delivering zero-defect products are fundamental to success.

In summary, this Manufacturing Engineer position at GKN Aerospace offers a fantastic platform for individuals seeking challenging work, significant career growth, and the opportunity to contribute to a company that is defining the future of aerospace. If you possess the required skills and a passion for innovation and operational excellence, this could be the ideal next step in your career journey.