Job Summary
Based in our East Cowes facilities here on the Isle of Wight, and reporting into the Chief Manufacturing Engineer, the Quality Engineer will be the main customer point of contact for quality, providing quality assurance support to all aspects of the business processes and procedures across both our Defence and Civil aerospace business lines.
This position is open to both experienced candidates and also candidates looking to move into, and develop in, Quality Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering Quality. Training, education and mentoring all available as required for the successful candidate.
You will be responsible for the identification and documenting of customer and regulatory product and process requirements, ensuring that procedures, plans and processes are established and maintained, in order to meet those requirements consistently without deviation. The successful candidate will need to be flexible for ad‑hoc national and international travel on a potential quarterly basis dependant on customer needs.
Job Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities will include
- Work in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all personnel and visitors is maintained at the highest level.
- Along with Manufacturing Engineers, develop the strategy and the metrics for the functional performance of the products and manufacturing processes.
- Create and/or support the creation of comprehensive quality plans.
- Provide advice and guidance on quality issues/matters to all areas of the business.
- Support the implementation of corrective and preventative actions and the development of both lean and continual improvement activities.
- Review and evaluate quality data to identify process improvement opportunities within the company processes and procedures creating corrective/preventive action plans to address failures.
- Support regular meetings with customers and representatives from appropriate departments to establish action plans for improving build quality.
Job Qualifications
Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
Essential:
- Demonstrable experience within either Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or any other relevant disciplines gained within an aerospace (or similar) production environment;
- Willing and able to be customer‑facing;
- Demonstrable experience in driving quality and/or process improvements;
- Willingness and ability for national and potentially international travel (when required)
Desirable:
- Experience in performing audits
- A understanding of APQP tools (advanced product quality planning) - AS9145
- A HNC qualification or equivalent
- Previous experience using a MRP or ERP System
- Experience working with AS9100 Lead Auditor standard
- Green Belt Certified
We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the drive and passions to become the best of the future in what they do. The Quality Engineer will be a data driven individual with a strong ability to work with key stakeholders across all levels of the business. The successful candidate will have strong communication, problem solving and presentation skills, or be working towards these through development, with an ability to work to tight deadlines and drive continuous improvement.
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.
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.
Contact Details:
GKN Aerospace Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Quality Engineer in East Cowes
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like GKN Aerospace Services Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GKN Aerospace Services Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace Services Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GKN Aerospace Services Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like GKN Aerospace Services Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
