Manufacturing Engineer

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Industry leading pension scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer at its Filton site in Bristol to lead CapEx projects involving new production equipment and automated systems. Responsibilities include preparing specifications, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, and driving projects to completion. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree and experience in CapEx project management in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing. The role offers a competitive salary, flexible hours, and an industry-leading pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering with a relevant engineering degree.
• Proven experience in CapEx project management within aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Practical experience with industrial equipment, automation systems, robotics, machining or assembly.

Responsibilities

• Lead CapEx projects for new production equipment in aerospace.
• Prepare detailed equipment specifications meeting aerospace standards.
• Drive projects to completion, on time and on budget.

Skills

Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering

Experience in CapEx project management

Practical experience with industrial equipment

Education

Relevant engineering degree (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical)

Job description

Job Summary

GKN Aerospace seeks a Manufacturing Engineer at its Filton site to lead CapEx projects for deploying new production equipment, automated systems and advanced industrial solutions in an aerospace manufacturing environment. The role involves managing the end‑to‑end lifecycle of CapEx projects, including concept development, business case creation, budgeting, scheduling and execution. The successful candidate will work a 4.5‑day week (35 hours) as part of a small team of Manufacturing Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed equipment specifications that meet aerospace standards for precision, traceability and repeatability; design future processes implementing lean tools and methods.
• Ensure new equipment meets aerospace requirements such as NADCAP, AS9100 and internal engineering specifications; validate equipment and processes through capability studies, PFMEA, control plans and process documentation.
• Utilise root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce or eliminate non‑conformances.
• Drive projects to completion, on time and on budget, validating performance outcomes and confirming all operational, financial and strategic objectives are achieved.
• Build relationships with operators so new systems or equipment are appropriate and embraced.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, EHS and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless industrial deployment.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers and co‑workers.
• Continuously improve production and internal processes by implementing Lean initiatives.
• Exemplify a safety‑first mindset and ensure compliance with GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Ensure all new equipment complies with aerospace safety and certification rules (e.g., CE marking, machinery directives, EHS regulations).

Required Qualifications

• Technical expertise in Manufacturing Engineering with a relevant engineering degree (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical).
• Proven experience in CapEx project management within aerospace, defence or high‑precision manufacturing.
• Practical experience with industrial equipment, automation systems, robotics, machining or assembly.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with AS9145 APQP process or equivalent.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Industry leading pension scheme – company matches contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis (triple up to 20%).
• Life assurance 8× salary.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours, including the ability to finish at 12 noon on a Friday.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family.
• Collaborative, dynamic working environment.