Aerospace Industrialization Engineer — Machining & Process Lead

Qabird; Papendrecht; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 paid holidays

Travel allowance

Pension scheme

Excellent training

Career development

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is expanding its Manufacturing Engineering team at Fokker Landing Gear in Papendrecht and seeks an Industrial Engineer to lead the industrialization of aerospace manufacturing processes, from machining to final assembly. You will drive manufacturability, quality, and efficiency for critical landing gear programs.

You will apply APQP, manage risk in product introductions, and collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain to ensure robust production systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
• 5–7+ years of experience in machining process industrialization, preferably within aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience applying APQP methodologies in new product introduction (NPI) and industrialization projects.
• Strong expertise in machining complex aerospace materials, including aluminum, Inconel, and steels.
• Solid knowledge of APQP tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC.
• Proficient in GD&T, CNC machining/programming, tooling selection, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards, including AS9100 and NADCAP.
• Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset, with experience using 8D, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience contributing to Quality Management Systems (QMS), including procedures, work instructions, and standard templates.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English, both in writing & speaking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrialization of complex precision-machined aerospace components, driving the transition from design to serial production while ensuring manufacturability, quality, and operational excellence for advanced aircraft programs.
• Develop, validate, and continuously optimize machining processes to achieve demanding quality, cost, and delivery objectives, leveraging data-driven decision-making and best practices in manufacturing engineering.
• Apply APQP methodologies to establish robust and reliable production processes, manage risk throughout product introduction, and ensure successful launches that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Drive production readiness and operational performance by supporting continuous improvement initiatives, root cause investigations, and problem-solving activities that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall process capability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless implementation of manufacturing solutions and successful execution of aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Ensure full compliance with aerospace industry standards, technical specifications, and customer requirements, maintaining the highest levels of product integrity, traceability, and regulatory adherence throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in machining technologies, identifying innovative manufacturing solutions and implementing process improvements that strengthen competitiveness and operational performance.
• Monitor and improve process capability and product quality, utilizing structured problem-solving tools and statistical methods to deliver consistent, repeatable, and high-performance manufacturing outcomes.
• Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Responsible for the development of technical solutions to complex problems within GKN Aerospace, our customers and suppliers.
• Deliver technical support of manufacturing process development and integration for production.
• Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
• Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
• Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives.

Skills

APQP

GD&T

CNC machining

Process optimization

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Quality standards

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

SPC

Job description

GKN Aerospace is expanding its Manufacturing Engineering team at Fokker Landing Gear in Papendrecht and seeks an Industrial Engineer to lead the industrialization of aerospace manufacturing processes, from machining to final assembly. You will drive manufacturability, quality, and efficiency for critical landing gear programs.

You will apply APQP, manage risk in product introductions, and collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain to ensure robust production systems.