Job Description

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Date: Sep 22, 2025

Location:Tallassee, AL, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Aerospace Composites

📍 Tallassee, AL| 💼 Full-Time | 🛠️ Advanced Manufacturing | 💰 Competitive Compensation + Benefits | 🚚 Relocation Assistance Available

Are you a hands-on innovator with a passion for precision and performance? We’re seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineerto lead the development and optimization of cutting-edge composite manufacturing processes at our Tallassee, Alabamafacility. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive innovation, mentor engineering talent, and ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency in support of our aerospace programs.

What You'll Do

• Process Optimization: Lead the development of efficient, high-quality manufacturing processes for aerospace composite components.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Implement automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing to streamline production.
• Material Expertise: Collaborate with materials engineers to select and validate composite materials for performance and reliability.
• Tooling & Fixtures: Design and develop precision tooling using CAD/CAM and advanced techniques.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, and Production to implement released engineering strategies.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with AS9100, AS13100, and NADCAP standards through rigorous QA/QC procedures and root cause analysis.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks to ensure on-time delivery and consistent product quality.
• Technical Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Program Support: Lead product development, quoting, tooling, configuration changes, and first article development.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion initiatives in affordability, lean manufacturing, and Zero Defects Manufacturing.

What You Bring

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields of engineering.
• 8 (eight) years of manufacturing engineering experience, leading engineering teams through process improvement and optimization projects. 
• 5 (five) years in composite manufacturing experience. 
• Ability to travel up to 10% based per business needs.
• U.S. person status per ITAR regulations.

What Helps You Stand Out

• Deep knowledge of AS9100, AS13100, and NADCAP standards.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts.
• Experience in aerostructures (metallics and/or composites).
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and coaching abilities.
• High-performance mindset with a passion for results and continuous improvement.

🏡 Relocating? We Can Help.

This role is based in Tallassee, AL, with relocation assistance available. Nearby communities like Auburn, Wetumpka, and Opelikaoffer a range of living options, from quiet suburbs to growing towns, all within driving distance. 

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary + performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits (health, 401(k), PTO, etc.)
• Opportunities to lead innovation in aerospace manufacturing
• A collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture
• 🚚 Relocation support to help you transition smoothly

🔗 Apply now to shape the future of aerospace composites—right from the heart of Tallassee. 

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

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 are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.​
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