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