Manufacturing Engineer - Industrial

GKN Aerospace; Papendrecht; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

40 paid holidays (full-time)

Pension scheme (travel allowance)

Travel allowance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Careers is expanding its Manufacturing Engineering team at Papendrecht. We seek an Industrial Engineer to lead industrialization from machining to final assembly, ensuring manufacturability, quality and efficiency for high-precision aerospace programs.

You will apply APQP methodologies, drive production readiness, and collaborate across engineering, quality, operations and supply chain while maintaining regulatory compliance and product integrity.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years in machining process industrialization, preferably aerospace.
• Experience applying APQP in new product introduction (NPI) and industrialization projects.
• Strong machining of aerospace materials, including aluminum, Inconel and steels.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and NADCAP quality standards.
• Solid problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset; 8D, Lean, Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrialization of complex aerospace components and transition from design to serial production.
• Develop and optimize machining processes to meet quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Apply APQP to establish robust production processes and ensure successful launches.
• Support continuous improvement, root-cause investigations and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain to implement manufacturing solutions.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements throughout manufacturing.

Job description

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Job Summary

We are looking to expand the Manufacturing Engineering team at Fokker Landing Gear, located in Papendrecht, and for this reason, we are looking for an Industrial Engineer to join the Industrialization team.

As an Industrial Engineer at our multi-technology manufacturing campus in Papendrecht, you will play a critical role in leading the industrialization of our manufacturing processes from machining to special processes and final assembly, ensuring efficiency and seamless production of landing gear components. Your contributions will directly support the delivery of unique projects that prioritize the safety of everyone who relies on our products in flight.

Fokker Landing Gear

Fokker Landing Gear, part of GKN Fokker, is a recognized specialist in landing gear and related systems. We focus on the design and development, production and assembly of complete landing gears, as well as the repair and reassembly of systems already in use. In doing so, we work on well-known aircraft and helicopters such as the Apache combat helicopter, the F-35 Lightning II (JSF), the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and the multipurpose NH90 maritime combat helicopter.

What you'll do

• 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 Advanced Product Quality Planning (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.
• Exemplify a safety-first mindset and ensure compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Be responsible for the development of technical solutions to complex problems within GKN Aerospace, our customers and suppliers.
• Deliver technical support for manufacturing process development and integration for production.
• Utilize root cause analysis, preventive and corrective action to reduce or 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.

What you'll bring

• 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 and speaking.

What we’ll offer

A challenging position in an innovative and international environment. Our organization is passionate about engineering, and our teams are proud of what they develop and build. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will receive a range of benefits, including:

• A competitive compensation package, with salary determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.
• 40 paid holidays for full-time employment.
• Working conditions according to the CAO Metalektro, including an excellent pension scheme and travel allowance.
• A working environment in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers.
• Every opportunity to build on your career and personal development.