Associate Industrial Engineer, Laminated Products

About the Role

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel—going further, faster, and greener. As an Associate Industrial Engineer, you will support the continuous improvement of laminated acrylic and glass transparency manufacturing processes used in commercial and military aerospace applications. This role applies industrial engineering principles, Lean manufacturing methodologies, and data-driven analysis to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance across manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to identify process improvement opportunities, develop sustainable solutions, and implement operational best practices while maintaining compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Analyze end-to-end manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Observe and evaluate product flow through preparation, layup, bagging, curing, inspection, finishing, and rework operations.
• Partner with production teams to implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce cycle times, and improve schedule attainment.
• Support daily manufacturing operations through regular shop floor engagement and observation.
• Conduct time studies, work measurement assessments, labor analyses, and process observations.
• Develop and maintain labor standards, standard work instructions, staffing models, and capacity plans.
• Evaluate labor utilization, equipment effectiveness, line balancing, workflow efficiency, and production constraints.
• Provide data-driven recommendations related to capital investments, equipment utilization, automation opportunities, and process optimization.
• Lead and support Lean initiatives including value stream mapping, 5S, visual management, A3 problem solving, and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply structured root cause analysis techniques such as 5 Why analysis, Pareto analysis, Fishbone diagrams, and process mapping.
• Monitor corrective and preventive actions to ensure sustained improvements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement throughout manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain facility layouts, workstation designs, material presentation plans, and workflow models.
• Improve material flow, reduce non-value-added movement, and enhance workplace ergonomics.
• Support equipment relocations, line redesigns, and facility improvement projects.
• Evaluate alternative layouts and manufacturing scenarios using appropriate engineering methods and tools.
• Collect, validate, and analyze operational performance metrics including cycle time, throughput, labor hours, work-in-process inventory, yield, downtime, scrap, and rework.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision making.
• Quantify improvement opportunities and validate operational and financial benefits.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, assumptions, and records.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EH&S, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, and Program teams.
• Support process changes while ensuring compliance with quality systems, engineering standards, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Assist with new product introductions, production transfers, corrective action initiatives, and operational readiness activities.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project results to both shop floor personnel and leadership teams.

Success Measures - First 12 Months

• Complete current-state assessments of priority laminated manufacturing processes.
• Establish or improve standard work and labor standards for key production operations.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, quality, lead time, ergonomics, or floor space utilization.
• Develop effective performance dashboards and visual management tools that support operational execution.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across operations and support functions while demonstrating consistent project execution and follow-through.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Internship, co-op, project, or professional experience applying industrial engineering concepts within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, process mapping, standard work, line balancing, capacity analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and regularly interact with production personnel.
• Must be eligible to work in compliance with applicable ITAR and EAR requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of laminated acrylic, glass, composites, bonded assemblies, optical products, or transparency manufacturing processes.
• Experience conducting time studies and developing engineered labor standards.
• Familiarity with Lean tools including Value Stream Mapping, A3 problem solving, 5S, Visual Management, and Practical Problem Solving.
• Understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace change management processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Visio, CAD software, facility layout tools, simulation software, or data visualization platforms.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, manufacturing routings, and technical specifications.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

Working Environment / Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed on-site in office and manufacturing environments, with regular exposure to active production areas and required personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and observe production processes for extended periods; access workstations, equipment, and material-flow paths; and use a computer for analysis and documentation.
• May occasionally lift or move items up to 30 pounds using proper lifting technique and available assistance.
• Limited travel between company facilities, suppliers, or customer locations may be required.

Pay

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

About GKN Aerospace

With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace serves over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. We’re committed to sustainability, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Our culture is built on diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and we’ve been recognized with ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award.’ We offer best-in-class training and development opportunities to help you grow your career.