Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Product & Planning

GKN Aerospace Services - Tallassee, AL

Full-time - Senior

Tallassee, AL

10,001+ employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Principle Manufacturing Engineer will support development and operational Programs to enable and deliver zero defect projects utilizing superior engineering and problem solving skills. They will deliver robust, capable manufacturing process technology as it applies to both materials, tooling, part fabrication and assembly. This position is a pivotal role in driving innovation, optimizing processes, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency within our aerospace composites facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for aerospace composite components, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving overall product quality.
• Implement advanced manufacturing techniques and methodologies to streamline production processes, such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing.
• Collaborate with materials engineering teams to select appropriate composite materials for specific applications, and conduct material characterization studies to ensure performance and reliability.
• Design and develop tooling and fixtures for composite manufacturing processes, utilizing CAD/CAM software and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure precision and repeatability.
• Interface and liaison with multiple functional groups including Supply Chain, Quality and Production Operations to develop strategies for implementation of released engineering.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance and control procedures to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulations, including AS9100, AS13100, and NADCAP requirements.
• Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
• Identify potential risks and challenges in manufacturing processes, and develop proactive mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions and ensure on-time delivery of high-quality aerospace composite components.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians within the manufacturing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Accountable for product development, new product quotes, tool fabrication quotes, first article development, configuration changes that involve cost estimation, schedule coordination, build process definition, and implementation.
• Perform other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Attended Bachelors' program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years of experience with aerospace composites.
• 2+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• 2+ years of Project Management experience.
• U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong understanding of quality management systems and aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, AS13100, & NADCAP).
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving process optimization initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Aerostructures (metallics and/or composites) experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a passion for mentoring and developing junior engineering talent.
• Relentless and results driven performer with a Continuous Improvement mind-set.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Six Sigma Training or Lean Manufacturing experience a plus.
• Superior interpersonal skills, delivers information clearly and factually.
• Team worker with aptitude for mentoring and coaching.
• Demonstrates personal leadership skills; high performance behaviors, self-initiative, excellent work ethic, exercises good judgment, influencing, negotiation and collaboration.