Manufacturing Engineering Manager (CME)

GKN Aerospace Careers • Tallassee, AL

114d

About The Position

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 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Technical Leadership in Aerospace. Are you a hands-on leader who thrives on solving complex problems and building high-performing teams? We’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead our technical efforts in support of aerospace programs at our Tallassee, Alabama site. In this role, you’ll guide a team of talented engineers, drive process excellence, and ensure our manufacturing systems meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance. You’ll be the go-to technical voice for Manufacturing Engineering both internally and with customers and suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, ideally in aerospace and composites.
• Proven experience as a technical lead or authority in Manufacturing Engineering.
• Strong understanding of industry standards (AS9100, ISO9001, NADCAP, etc.).
• Familiarity with systems like SIOP, MES, MRB, QMS, and production planning tools.
• U.S. Person status per ITAR/EAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with OEMs like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, or Bell.
• Background in APQP, new product launches, and cost estimation.
• Experience managing direct reports and leading cross-functional teams.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred).
• Extensive hands-on experience in composite manufacturing.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead in a matrixed environment and influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting key aerospace programs.
• Represent Manufacturing Engineering in program reviews, technical discussions, and customer meetings.
• Deliver manufacturing systems that meet stakeholder needs, balancing safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Develop solutions to complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement across the value stream.
• Champion a Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) mindset and build a culture of process control.
• Oversee tooling and production planning from concept through launch, ensuring high process capability.
• Support new product development, quoting, configuration changes, and first article builds.
• Collaborate across departments to align engineering efforts with program and operational goals.
• Drive Lean initiatives and help shape the future of our engineering standards and training.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance available.
• Competitive salary.
• Great benefits.
• Room to grow.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees