Industrial Architect

GKN Aerospace; Hoogeveen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40/42 paid days off per year

Travel allowance

International career opportunities

Performance-oriented development

Job summary

GKN Fokker Aerospace seeks a Manufacturing Systems Architect to design and implement advanced manufacturing architectures at its Hoogeveen site. You will drive industrialisation, performance improvements and NPI support across aerospace programs.

You will lead cross-functional teams, translate business goals into scalable production solutions, and shape the future factory with automation and digitalisation. 5–7 years in aerospace manufacturing and strong project management are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of aerospace manufacturing, process engineering or industrial architecture experience.
• Proven track record delivering complex manufacturing and industrialisation projects.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing system design technologies and aerospace processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, define and implement innovative manufacturing system architectures for new and existing aerospace programs.
• Lead industrialisation and transformation projects from concept through deployment.
• Analyse production processes, capacity needs, layouts and value streams to improve performance.
• Develop future-focused manufacturing concepts leveraging automation and digitalisation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure manufacturability, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Build business cases, conduct risk assessments and support investment decisions.
• Manage project activities, timelines and deliverables with clear stakeholder reporting.
• Support APQP and PPAP deployment for successful NPI.
• Advise on Design for Manufacturing (DfM), Design to Cost (DtC) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations and company policies.

Skills

System design

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Industrial automation

Education

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

Tools

Simulation software

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

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Manufacturing Systems Architect – Shaping the Factory of the Future

Are you passionate about designing and implementing world-class manufacturing systems in a high-tech aerospace environment? We are looking for a Manufacturing Systems Architect to join our team in Hoogeveen and play a key role in building the production capabilities of tomorrow.

In this challenging position, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing and implementing advanced manufacturing systems and industrial architectures that support both current and future aerospace programs. You will translate business objectives, customer requirements and technological innovations into scalable, efficient and sustainable production solutions.

Working across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain and external partners, you will ensure that our manufacturing environment meets the highest standards in quality, safety, performance and compliance. As a driving force behind industrialisation and transformation initiatives, you will contribute directly to the successful introduction of new products and the long-term competitiveness of our business.

What will you do?

• Design, define and implement innovative manufacturing system architectures for new and existing aerospace programs.
• Lead industrialisation and transformation projects from concept development through to successful deployment.
• Analyse production processes, capacity requirements, facility layouts and value streams to improve operational performance.
• Develop future-focused manufacturing concepts leveraging automation, digitalisation and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure manufacturability, quality and cost-effectiveness throughout the product lifecycle.
• Build business cases, conduct risk assessments and support investment decisions.
• Manage project activities, timelines and deliverables while providing clear reporting to stakeholders.
• Support APQP and PPAP deployment activities to ensure successful New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Advise on Design for Manufacturing (DfM), Design to Cost (DtC) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations, quality standards and company policies.

What do you bring to succeed?

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, process engineering or industrial architecture.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex manufacturing and industrialisation projects.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing system design technologies, aerospace manufacturing processes and operational management principles.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including budget control, timeline management and risk mitigation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions based on complex information.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace rapidly evolving technologies and industry developments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in Industrial Architecture, Lean Six Sigma and/or Project Management.
• Experience with simulation software, ERP systems and data analytics tools.
• Research and development experience in innovative manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in guiding teams and driving transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience deploying APQP and PPAP methodologies.
• Understanding of Part 21 Subpart G and EN/AS9100 requirements.
• Knowledge of HSE regulations and standards, including PUWER and COSHH.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to translate complex challenges into practical and sustainable solutions.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills within an international environment.
• Confident communicator who can influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, results-oriented and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

What do we offer?

At GKN Fokker Aerospace, you will work in an innovative and international environment with state-of-the-art technology, as part of a company with a rich aerospace heritage.

In addition, we offer:

• A competitive salary in line with the Metalektro Collective Labour Agreement, based on experience and qualifications.
• 40 or 42 paid days off per year for full-time employees (27/29 vacation days plus 13 ADV days).
• Travel allowance for employees living more than 10 km from the site.
• International career opportunities and extensive development possibilities.
• An inspiring workplace where engineering excellence and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

Additional Information

• The role may involve functional leadership of project teams and specialists, with direct responsibility for up to three employees depending on business needs.
• Revenue impact can be up to £10 million, depending on New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• International travel will be required when business needs demand.