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.
Quality Engineer – Aerospace Manufacturing
Tallassee, AL | Full-Time | Quality & Compliance | Relocation Assistance Available
Position Summary
The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving quality systems and processes within an aerospace manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with regulatory and customer requirements, supports internal and external audits, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. A strong understanding of APQP, process validation, and aerospace compliance standards is essential to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ensure compliance with customer, FAA, and third-party standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP).
2. Maintain and enhance the Quality Management System (QMS).
3. Conduct internal audits and support external audits.
4. Manage records retention in accordance with regulatory and company policies.
5. Perform supplier audits and collaborate to resolve quality and delivery issues.
6. Apply root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA).
7. Develop and maintain Program Quality Plans aligned with project requirements.
8. Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to support quality initiatives.
9. Support new product introduction (NPI) through quality planning and risk mitigation.
10. Contribute to Lean and Six Sigma-based continuous improvement efforts.
11. Lead the application of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) principles to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle—from early planning and risk assessment to process validation and launch readiness.
12. Ensure manufacturing processes meet AS9145, AS9100, and NADCAP standards, with a focus on long-term compliance and capability.
Required Qualifications
13. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or 6+ years of quality engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
14. Minimum of 2 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
15. Proficiency in root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies.
16. Experience with inspection tools and interpreting technical drawings.
17. Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
18. Experience in aerostructures manufacturing (metallics and/or composites).
19. Working knowledge of Lean tools (e.g., A3, PFMEA, Fishbone diagrams).
20. Familiarity with AS9145 or equivalent APQP processes.
21. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent certification.
22. Strong communication skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Location
This position is based in Tallassee, AL, with relocation assistance available. Nearby communities such as Redland, Wetumpka, Pike Road, and Blue Ridge offer a range of residential options within commuting distance.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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.