Associate Manufacturing Engineer

Date: Feb 27, 2026

Location: Garden Grove, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Job Summary

We are seeking an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to join our Sustainment Manufacturing Engineering Team. This early-career role provides hands-on experience supporting the development, improvement, and control of aerospace manufacturing processes—particularly those involving lamination, metal deposition, coatings, and acrylic-based applications. This is a great opportunity for engineers looking to grow in a fast-paced, highly regulated aerospace environment.

Job Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

  • Support the team with APQP and AS9145 activities.
  • Assist in preparing and updating PFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
  • Help compile First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) for AS9102 compliance.
  • Follow strict clean room protocols where applicable.
  • Perform basic SPC data collection and monitoring.

Specialized Process Support

  • Assist senior engineers with troubleshooting and process maintenance for lamination processes.
  • Support activities involving metal deposition methods such as vacuum metalizing, thermal spray, plating, or additive manufacturing.
  • Assist with functional or protective coating processes.
  • Support acrylic bonding, forming, or finishing operations.

Technical & Quality Support

  • Interpret engineering drawings with guidance from senior engineers.
  • Support simple tooling updates and CAD modeling (Siemens NX preferred).
  • Assist in creating and maintaining work instructions and controlled documents.
  • Participate in MRB/PRB investigations and help gather data for nonconformance resolution.
  • Support internal/external audits and layered process audits.
  • Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO9001, and site quality procedures.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

  • Contribute to Lean and shop-floor improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in root cause analysis activities such as 8D, 5-Whys, and Fishbone.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support ongoing projects.
  • Assist in preparing technical summaries, reports, and presentations.

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Chemical, or related engineering field; will consider 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  • 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
  • Exposure to lamination, coatings, metal deposition, or acrylic-based processes.
  • Basic understanding of APQP, PFMEA, SPC, or FAIR documentation.
  • Familiarity with ISO9000 or AS9100 quality systems is a plus.
  • Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
  • Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally (<5%).

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with CAD tools; Siemens NX preferred.
  • Exposure to clean room work or MSA techniques.
  • Understanding of Design for Manufacturability principles.
  • Participation in Lean or Six Sigma projects.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical team members.

Compensation Data

Compensation Range: $83,535.00 - $104,419.00


Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles