Associate Industrial Engineer, Laminated Products

Associate Industrial Engineer, Laminated Products

Date: Aug 21, 2026

Location:Garden Grove, CA, 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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Associate Industrial Engineer is responsible for supporting the continuous improvement of laminated acrylic and glass transparency manufacturing processes used in commercial and military aerospace applications. This role applies industrial engineering principles, Lean manufacturing methodologies, and data-driven analysis to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance across manufacturing operations.

Working closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams, the Associate Industrial Engineer identifies process improvement opportunities, develops sustainable solutions, and helps implement operational best practices that enhance manufacturing performance while maintaining compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Job Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Improvement

• Analyze end-to-end manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Observe and evaluate product flow through preparation, layup, bagging, curing, inspection, finishing, and rework operations.
• Partner with production teams to implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce cycle times, and improve schedule attainment.
• Support daily manufacturing operations through regular shop floor engagement and observation.

Industrial Engineering and Capacity Planning

• Conduct time studies, work measurement assessments, labor analyses, and process observations.
• Develop and maintain labor standards, standard work instructions, staffing models, and capacity plans.
• Evaluate labor utilization, equipment effectiveness, line balancing, workflow efficiency, and production constraints.
• Provide data-driven recommendations related to capital investments, equipment utilization, automation opportunities, and process optimization.

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support Lean initiatives including value stream mapping, 5S, visual management, A3 problem solving, and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply structured root cause analysis techniques such as 5 Why analysis, Pareto analysis, Fishbone diagrams, and process mapping.
• Monitor corrective and preventive actions to ensure sustained improvements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement throughout manufacturing operations.

Layout and Material Flow Optimization

• Develop and maintain facility layouts, workstation designs, material presentation plans, and workflow models.
• Improve material flow, reduce non-value-added movement, and enhance workplace ergonomics.
• Support equipment relocations, line redesigns, and facility improvement projects.
• Evaluate alternative layouts and manufacturing scenarios using appropriate engineering methods and tools.

Data Analysis and Performance Reporting

• Collect, validate, and analyze operational performance metrics including cycle time, throughput, labor hours, work-in-process inventory, yield, downtime, scrap, and rework.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to support operational decision making.
• Quantify improvement opportunities and validate operational and financial benefits.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, assumptions, and records.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Operations, Quality, Engineering, EH&S, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, and Program teams.
• Support process changes while ensuring compliance with quality systems, engineering standards, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Assist with new product introductions, production transfers, corrective action initiatives, and operational readiness activities.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project results to both shop floor personnel and leadership teams.

Success Measures - First 12 Months

• Complete current-state assessments of priority laminated manufacturing processes.
• Establish or improve standard work and labor standards for key production operations.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, quality, lead time, ergonomics, or floor space utilization.
• Develop effective performance dashboards and visual management tools that support operational execution.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across operations and support functions while demonstrating consistent project execution and follow-through.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical discipline.Internship, co-op, project, or professional experience applying industrial engineering concepts within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, process mapping, standard work, line balancing, capacity analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and regularly interact with production personnel.
• Must be eligible to work in compliance with applicable ITAR and EAR requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of laminated acrylic, glass, composites, bonded assemblies, optical products, or transparency manufacturing processes.
• Experience conducting time studies and developing engineered labor standards.
• Familiarity with Lean tools including Value Stream Mapping, A3 problem solving, 5S, Visual Management, and Practical Problem Solving.
• Understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace change management processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Visio, CAD software, facility layout tools, simulation software, or data visualization platforms.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, manufacturing routings, and technical specifications.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

Working Environment / Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed on-site in office and manufacturing environments, with regular exposure to active production areas and required personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and observe production processes for extended periods; access workstations, equipment, and material-flow paths; and use a computer for analysis and documentation.
• May occasionally lift or move items up to 30 pounds using proper lifting technique and available assistance.
• Limited travel between company facilities, suppliers, or customer locations may be required.

Compensation Data

Salary Range: $83,535.00 - $104,419.00

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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Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles