Job Description

About Us

GKN Automotive is a global leader in conventional, all-wheel, and electrified driveline systems. We design, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge technologies for over 90% of the world’s car manufacturers, driving innovation across the mobility sector.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Plant Engineer – Industrialization to lead industrialization efforts during all phases of GKN program launches. This role is critical in ensuring that prototype and pre-production processes are robust, scalable, and aligned with lean manufacturing principles. You will be responsible for driving operational readiness, implementing advanced manufacturing methods, and supporting cross-functional teams to achieve “Quality at Rate” performance. This is a hands-on engineering role that blends technical expertise with strategic planning and supplier coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
• Proficiency in CAD tools and simulation software for process design
• Knowledge of automation systems and digital manufacturing technologies
• Experience working in a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent
• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering
• Strong skills in project planning, process development, and technical operations
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, DES (Digital Engineering Standards), and continuous improvement tools

Position Overview

As a Plant Engineer – Industrialization, you will:

• Lead industrialization activities from concept to launch, ensuring production systems meet quality, cost, and delivery targets
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes for new products, including tooling, equipment, and layout planning
• Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers under contract management plans, ensuring timely delivery and integration of components and systems
• Identify and implement process improvements using structured problem-solving and change management tools such as 8D, FMEA, and Kaizen
• Plan and execute new product trials, analyze results, and resolve complex inefficiencies in collaboration with production and quality teams
• Create and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies
• Support knowledge management initiatives by documenting best practices and training team members on new technologies and processes
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across all industrialization activities
• Contribute to cost estimation, budgeting, and reporting for new product introductions and process upgrades

Our Values in Action

At GKN, we value:

• Ingenuity: Managing complexity, making effective decisions, and driving innovation
• Collaboration: Building strong relationships and navigating organizational dynamics
• Principled Leadership: Accountability, clear communication, and integrity
• Drive: Prioritizing effectively, adopting new technologies, and delivering results

Ready to shape the future of automotive manufacturing?

You should be proficient in:

• Project Management
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
• PPAP Process Experience
• Process Development