Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Date: Feb 16, 2026

Location:Tallassee, AL, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer will serve as a technical authority for composite manufacturing processes supporting both production and development programs. This role leads the design, optimization, and control of composite fabrication processes to achieve zero‑defect performance, stable operations, and continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes for prepreg layup, autoclave cure, bonding, NDI/NDT, machining, and assembly of composite components.
• Generate manufacturing plans, ply books, process specifications, and tooling requirements for complex composite structures.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Evaluate and introduce new composite materials, tooling concepts, and cure technologies to improve capability and reduce cost.
• Collaborate with design engineering on DFM, materials, laminate design, and configuration control.
• Support proposals with labor estimates, tooling strategies, and process development planning.
• Execute continuous‑improvement projects to drive reductions in scrap, rework, cycle time, and variability.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in aerospace composite manufacturing, including fabrication, tooling, or autoclave/oven-cure processes.
• Working knowledge of composite materials and production methods such as layup, bonding, and cure.
• Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance requirements, with ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NDI/NDT techniques (ultrasonic, X‑ray, tap test).Familiarity with composite machining, trimming, secondary bonding, or assembly.

• Proficiency with PFMEA, control plans, SPC, or other process‑control tools.

• Leadership or mentoring experience in a manufacturing environment.Lean, Six Sigma, or related continuous‑improvement training.

Relocating? We can help.

This position is based in Tallassee, AL, with relocation assistance available. Nearby communities such as Auburn, Wetumpka, Opelika, and Montgomery offer a range of residential options within commuting distance.

This position is based in Tallassee, AL, with relocation assistance available. Nearby communities such as Auburn, Wetumpka, Opelika, and Montgomery offer a range of residential options within commuting distance.