Tool Designer (East Cowes, GB)

Unlock Your Aerospace Career: Tool Designer at GKN Aerospace, Isle of Wight

GKN Aerospace presents a compelling opportunity for skilled Tool Designers to join their team on the picturesque Isle of Wight. This role isn't just about designing tools; it's about contributing to the future of air travel, innovation, and global defence. With a vision to make air travel "further, faster and greener," GKN Aerospace offers a dynamic environment for professionals passionate about pushing boundaries in the industry.

This review highlights the key advantages and considerations for candidates exploring this exciting role.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful and Cutting-Edge Work:

  As a Tool Designer, you will play a crucial role in delivering operational excellence, directly impacting GKN Aerospace's diverse customer base, which includes industry giants like Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls Royce. The work spans across civil, defence, and engine business lines, offering exposure to a wide array of high-performance structures and systems, particularly in major assemblies and composite structures. You'll be instrumental in developing innovative tooling solutions from concept to production, utilizing advanced technologies like Catia V5 and GKN's Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite.

• Career Growth and Development:

  GKN Aerospace explicitly states, "There are no limits to where you can take your career." This commitment is backed by "some of the best training on offer in the industry." Joining a global leader with over 15,000 employees across 12 countries, and contributing to projects at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation, provides an excellent foundation for long-term professional development and advancement.

• Strong, Supportive Company Culture:

  Recognized with "The Best Workplace Culture Award," GKN Aerospace fosters a collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive environment. The company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging ensures that all employees feel welcome to contribute their full selves to work, creating an inspirational space for diverse minds to thrive.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package & Relocation Support:

  GKN Aerospace offers a highly competitive remuneration package that includes a competitive salary, an industry-leading pension scheme (1:1.5 match up to 8%), significant life assurance (8x salary), generous holiday allowance (190 hours + bank holidays), income protection, and various employee well-being programmes. Crucially, for those looking to relocate within the UK, relocation support to the Isle of Wight is provided, making this move more accessible and appealing.

• Stability and Global Reach:

  With a legacy dating back to 1901 at the East Cowes site and serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers, GKN Aerospace offers the stability and resources of a market leader during an "exciting period of growth."

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Specific Technical Expertise Required:

  This role demands a strong foundation in Tool Design, specifically with significant experience in composite moulds and assembly jigs, coupled with expertise in Design for Manufacture (DFM). Proficiency in CAD software, ideally Catia V5, is essential. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their capability in these areas.

• Location - Isle of Wight:

  The position is based at GKN Aerospace's East Cowes manufacturing plants on the Isle of Wight. While relocation support is offered, candidates should consider the unique island lifestyle, community, and transportation aspects to ensure it aligns with their personal preferences.

• Focus on Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement:

  The role emphasizes accountability for aspects like tool fabrication quotes, cost estimation, and schedule coordination. It also requires a commitment to a safety-first mindset, root cause analysis, and implementing Lean initiatives for continuous process improvement. Candidates should be comfortable with both design and the operational aspects of tooling.

• Ad-Hoc Travel:

  While described as "very limited," the role may require ad-hoc travel, both nationally and internationally. Flexibility in this regard would be beneficial.

• Regulatory Restrictions:

  Candidates should be aware that some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions that may impact certain nationalities. This will be part of the application process.

This Tool Designer position at GKN Aerospace offers a unique blend of challenging, impactful work within a leading global aerospace company, supported by an outstanding culture and comprehensive benefits. If you possess the required technical skills and are eager to contribute to the future of aviation from an inspiring island location, this could be your next significant career step.