Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling
Date: 15 Jan 2026
Location: East Cowes, GB
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
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 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.
Job Summary
Due to an exciting period of growth, we are now seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer to join our thriving team here on the Isle of Wight!
Based at our East Cowes manufacturing Centre of Excellence, and reporting into the Manufacturing Engineer Manager, the successful candidate will play key role in the development of tooling solutions to complex problems through the implementation of tooling, from original concept through to production,
Suitable candidates need to be flexible for occasional ad-hoc travel, both nationally and internationally.
Relocation assistance available for candidates currently living on the Mainland
PLEASE NOTE This position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).
Job Responsibilities
Typical job responsibilities will include:
- The development of tooling solutions to complex problems through the implementation of tooling, from original concept through to production.
- Designing tooling for high degree of process capability using Catia V5 utilizing the GKN standard Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite to demonstrate as such.
- Accountable for tool fabrication quotes, tooling input for new product quotes, tooling configuration changes that involve cost estimation, schedule coordination & implementation
- Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
- Utilizing root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
- Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives
Job Qualifications
Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate:
Essential:
- An HNC qualification within an Engineering related subject or equivalent
- Demonstrable experience of using Catia V5
- Significant experience in Tool Design within the Manufacturing industry
- Experience of addressing issues within the supply chain; internal and external
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of quality system models such as ISO9000, AS9100, or D1-9000
- Background in Aerospace industry
- Familiarity with AS9145 APQP process or equivalent
- Understanding and use of an ERP system
- Experience of interpreting aged drawings
- Green Belt Certified
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’. 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.
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