Manufacturing Engineering Manager (CHILD)

GKN Aerospace Inc
relocation assistance
United States, Alabama, Tallassee
Feb 02, 2026
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 We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager who is passionate about developing people as much as driving technical results. In this role, you will lead a team of talented engineers and put real focus on coaching, mentoring, and helping your team grow in their careers. You'll create an environment where engineers feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to bring new ideas forward. Along with building people, you'll guide the team through complex aerospace programs at our Tallassee, Alabama site and help shape the way we strengthen our processes. You'll ensure our manufacturing systems deliver the quality and performance our customers expect, while serving as the trusted technical voice for Manufacturing Engineering across the organization and with external partners. Job Responsibilities Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting major aerospace programs. Serve as the key Manufacturing Engineering voice in program reviews, technical discussions, and customer interactions. Deliver manufacturing systems that meet stakeholder expectations by balancing safety, quality, cost, and delivery. Develop solutions to complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement throughout the value stream. Champion a Zero Defect Manufacturing mindset and build a culture centered on strong process control. Oversee tooling and production planning from concept through launch, ensuring high capability and readiness. Support new product development activities including quoting, configuration changes, and first article builds. Partner across departments to align engineering work with program requirements and operational priorities. Lead Lean initiatives and help evolve engineering standards, best practices, and training across the team. Job Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering; a Master's degree or MBA is a plus. 7+ years of manufacturing experience, ideally within aerospace and composite production environments. Demonstrated success serving as a technical leader or subject matter authority in Manufacturing Engineering. Solid knowledge of relevant industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP. Working familiarity with operational and engineering systems including SIOP, MES, MRB processes, QMS platforms, and production planning tools. Must meet U.S. Person requirements as defined by ITAR and EAR regulations. Preferred Qualifications Experience partnering with major OEMs such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, or Bell.Background in APQP, new product introductions, and cost estimation for complex aerospace components. Proven ability to manage direct reports and lead cross functional teams toward shared objectives. Lean or Six Sigma certification, with Green Belt or higher preferred. Extensive hands on experience in composite manufacturing processes and best practices. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage, influence, and align diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated success leading in a matrixed environment and driving progress without direct authority. Relocation Assistance This position is based inTallassee, AL, withrelocation assistance available. Nearby communities such as Auburn, Wetumpka,Opelika, and Montgomery offer a range of residential options within commuting distance. 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 arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.