Chief Manufacturing Engineer-Remote

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. As part of GKN Aerospace Airframes E&T, Chief Manufacturing Engineers (CME) lead the development, industrialisation and improvement of Manufacturing Systems whilst serving as the customer-facing representatives of the ME function.
Day-to-day, a CME is focused on delivery of non-recurring engineering projects including New Product Introductions (NPI), Transfers of Work (ToW), Major Modifications (Mods), Technology Insertions and resolving manufacturing process related quality and delivery challenges together with production engineering teams.
When necessary, a CME may lead deployed ME resources to deliver these projects, ensuring compliance with identified requirements (e.g. Produceability, Productivity, Cost, Schedule, Regulatory) and adherence to Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) standards.
Remote Role
Travel Requirements
This is a remote working position that requires frequent routine and occasional non-routine travel (up to 25-50%) to be on-site at GKN facilities and suppliers, including but not limited to; Candidates must live in a location with strong transport links. from a major international hub airport (e.g. Dallas, Atlanta, Houston) or locally to a regional airport with multiple flights per day to major hub airports.
Bids– Accountable to validate and approve the proposed definition of the Manufacturing System and its associated performance targets which are submitted at LG3 (Programme Launch). Working closely with the Industrial Architect, the CME reviews output for technical risks and communicates these to the Programme. This may include process flow, bill of materials, proposed industrial setting, product cost estimates, requirements compliance or technology developments needed. The CME owns the Non-Recurring Engineering cost estimate for the ME technical content delivery.
NPI– Accountable for delivering a Manufacturing System that fulfils all agreed stakeholder requirements (technical, quality, regulatory), business case metrics and system performance targets between LG3 (Programme Launch) and LG7 (Steady State Production) whilst ensuring that planning, development and commissioning is completed on-schedule and on-cost.
Sustaining – Accountable for the governance and oversight of a portfolio of Manufacturing Systems, delivered through regular review of system KPIs and Industrial Review assessments. Takes corrective action to ensure Manufacturing Systems continue to perform in-line with the productivity & quality targets set.
Leadership of Projects-

Accountable for delivery of the non-recurring ME activities within a given programme or project. Responsible to provide technical leadership and direction using project management fundamentals: planning & estimating, resourcing & budgeting and reporting on project performance (earned value) to internal business standards.
Leadership of Teams

– Accountable to the Programme and Site for effective utilisation of deployed manufacturing engineering resource while delivering ME content of projects by providing day-to-day coordination, recognition and accountability and implementing ME best practice with the deployed team.
Quality –

Accountable for delivery of manufacturing systems that are Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) capable through a relentless focus on delivering APQP to the AS9145 standard during the NPI phase. Must exhibit and drive a product quality mind-set within ME and ensure compliance to agreed Customer, Regulatory, Business and functional standards.
Relationships – Accountable to maintain positive and functional working relationships with internal and external customers, to communicate and inform clearly and frequently with key stakeholders within the business, and to foster and champion GKN’s 5 principles within sphere of influence.
Bachelors degree or equivalent professional qualification in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline).
Minimum of 8 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or similar, highly regulated environments operating under AS9100 Quality Management Systems.
Recent experience developing a manufacturing system for a New Product Introduction (NPI) with a comprehensive understanding of product lifecycle gate processes.
Broad, hands-on experience with common manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, forming, welding, composites, assembly, metrology).
Knowledgeable of structured problem solving and RCCA methodologies (e.g. Demonstrated capability to organise and drive technical projects to achieve business goals, preferably in complex multi-site environments.
Ability to lead and influence people, build trust and establish effective working relationships within a global organisation and with external customer stakeholders.
Fluent in English language, both written and spoken.
Demonstrated deployment of AS9145 APQP process.
Working knowledge of digital systems for manufacturing (PLM, MES, ERP).
Deep, expert knowledge in one or more manufacturing process areas (e.g. machining, forming, welding, composites, assembly, metrology).
Experience working with or for major aerospace OEMs and their systems.
Proven ability to lead change in a Manufacturing System with evidence of delivering significant improvements in terms of cost, quality or throughput.
Proven ability to identify and deliver industrial productivity improvements and monitor their efficacy by setting appropriate metrics.
Project / Programme Management Professional Qualification.
And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
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. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​
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