Manufacturing Engineer

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer will support the development and execution of robust, zero‑defect manufacturing processes within our new facility in Garden Grove. This role is responsible for applying engineering principles, process development methods, and structured problem‑solving to ensure reliable production of parts, assemblies, and tooling. The ideal candidate brings strong technical capability, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to optimizing manufacturing performance during a major work‑transfer effort.

Job Responsibilities

Product Manufacturing Engineering Functions

• Develop manufacturing process solutions for complex production challenges.
• Lead production planning activities from initial concept through full‑rate manufacturing.
• Design processes that achieve high capability by applying the GKN Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) methodology.
• Own product development activities including first article build support, configuration updates, and definition of build processes and documentation.

Quality Engineering Functions

• Create, maintain, and continuously improve Program Quality Plans.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis and drive preventive and corrective actions to eliminate non‑conformances using the ZDM tool suite.
• Manage customer quality requirements, product development quality deliverables, and first article verification.
• Perform supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance and capability.
• Apply AS9102 requirements within an active manufacturing environment.

General Engineering Functions

• Demonstrate a safety‑first approach and ensure compliance with GKN Aerospace Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
• Develop technical solutions for complex issues across GKN Aerospace, customer programs, and supplier operations.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing process development, integration, and production readiness.
• Use structured root‑cause analysis and corrective action methods to reduce or eliminate non‑conformances.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams, external customers, and suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing Lean principles to enhance efficiency, quality, and flow.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience, including work in NPI, start‑up facility environments, and/or work‑transfer activities, ideally within aerospace manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of quality system standards such as ISO 9000, AS9100, or D1‑9000.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Must be a U.S. Person under U.S. DOD and ITAR regulations to meet export compliance and site SSA requirements.
• Ability to travel domestically and occasionally internationally (less than 5% annually).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to confidently represent the organization in technical discussions with customers and suppliers.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external decision‑makers across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor team members to strengthen capability, cohesion, and overall performance.

Compensation Data

Annual Salary: $92,000.00 - $113,853.00

Why Join Us:

• Work with cutting-edge technology and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Be part of a company shaping the future of aerospace and defense.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Workingiption

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 endeavor, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​

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