Controls Engineer

GKN Aerospace; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Birmingham seeks a Project Manager to lead facility construction and upgrades. You'll manage budgets and schedules while ensuring compliance with safety and technical standards. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing. Join us to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing machine development.
• Experience with New Product Introduction or facility startups in aerospace manufacturing.
• U.S. Person status in accordance with ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead facility construction and expansion projects.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, budgets, and schedules.
• Monitor construction progress and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project Scheduling Tools

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

At GKN Aerospace, we are pioneers in aerospace and defense manufacturing, dedicated to innovation, precision, and excellence. Our cutting‑edge technology and commitment to quality have positioned us as the worldwide leader in military aircraft canopies and commercial aircraft passenger cabin windows. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and defense!

Job Summary

This role leads construction and facility upgrade projects that support manufacturing operations. You’ll manage budgets, schedules, and safety requirements, while working closely with contractors, regulators, and internal teams. Your work ensures our infrastructure is ready for specialized production and meets all technical and compliance standards.

Location : Garden Grove, CA

Salary Range : $84,048 – $126,071

Department : Engineering / Facilities / Manufacturing

Job Responsibilities

• Lead facility construction and expansion projects from initial planning through final delivery
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, budgets, schedules, and milestones
• Serve as the primary liaison with contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Monitor construction progress, conduct regular status reviews, and resolve issues proactively
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and customer‑specific requirements
• Deliver executive‑level updates and progress reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Support facility security approvals and export compliance processes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors
• Ensure infrastructure readiness for specialized aerospace manufacturing processes, including lamination, forming, coating, and inspection

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing machine development (feedback control, troubleshooting, programming, system design)
• U.S. Person status in accordance with ITAR regulations and ability to meet export compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), facility startups, or work transfers in aerospace manufacturing
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license or PMP certification
• Background in commercial or industrial construction within manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with infrastructure requirements for aerospace transparency systems
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling tools
• Proven ability to assess project risks, manage timelines, and implement effective solutions
• Experience leading complex or transformational launch projects in manufacturing

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 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.