Non-Conformance Engineer-Design (NCE-D)
Job Summary
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 were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do opening up and protecting our planet.With over 16000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds 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 Non-Conformance Engineer Design (NCE-D) provides technical leadership in the evaluation disposition and approval of non-conformances arising from manufacturing processes supplier activities and in-service (field) operations for aero engine components.
This role is accountable for ensuring airworthiness product integrity and full compliance with regulatory standards and customer requirements. It requires the application of sound engineering judgment adherence to design intent and active engagement with design authorities.
The NCE-D collaborates across cross-functional teamsincluding design manufacturing quality supply chain and field serviceto drive timely and technically robust resolutions to nonconformance issues.
Job Responsibilities
- Technical Evaluation of Non-Conformances
Lead evaluation of complex non-conformances in cold and hot section aero engine
components where GKN has design responsibilities
Perform deep technical assessments:
o GD&T interpretation (ASME Y14.5)
o Tolerance stack-up analysis interpretation
o Stress and aero-thermal analysis interpretation
o Functional fit form and clearance assessment
Evaluate impact against:
o Design intent and margins
o Material allowable
o Certification limits
Conduct risk and safety assessments to determine airworthiness impact
Design Disposition & Approval Ownership
Define and approve disposition types:
o Use-as-is repair rework scrap
Provide technical rationale safety justification and compliance evidence
Make decisions under uncertainty while ensuring safety and compliance
MRB (Material Review Board) Leadership
Act as senior technical representative in MRB forums
Present engineering assessments and negotiate dispositions
Ensure consistent robust and timely decision-making
Drive closure of high-impact non-conformances (such as build stop and AOGs)
Repair & Rework Strategy Development - Develop and approve:
o Repair schemes
o Manufacturing deviations and concessions
o Rework processes
Ensure alignment with:
o Design intent
o Structural integrity and durability
o Certification constraints
Validate via analysis testing or field data correlation
Supplier & Manufacturing Support
Serve as technical escalation point for supplier non-conformances
Lead on-site/remote supplier reviews
Evaluate:
o Process capability (Cp/Cpk)
o Manufacturing variation impact
Drive supplier quality improvement and process maturity
Compliance & Certification Accountability
Ensure compliance with:
o FAA / EASA regulations
o AS9100 and OEM standards
Maintain configuration control and traceability
Support audits certification reviews and customer interactions
Data-Driven Improvement & RCA
Perform trend analysis of recurring non-conformances
Lead Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) using:
o 8D DMAIC A3 FMEA
Identify and eliminate systemic issues
Drive predictive quality and escape prevention
Field & Lifecycle Integration
Incorporate field return and service data into decisions
Align dispositions with:
o Fleet performance
o Durability expectations
Support continuous airworthiness and fleet issue resolution such as AoG (Aircraft on
Ground)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
o Design Engineers
o Definition Engineers
o Stress / Solid Mechanics
o Aero & Thermal teams
o Materials Engineering
o Manufacturing & Quality
o Suppliers & Repair Engineering
Drive aligned technically sound solutions
Mentorship & Capability Development
Mentor junior engineers in:
o GD&T and tolerance analysis
o Structural and thermal evaluations
o Engineering judgment
Conduct technical reviews from non-conformances perspective
Promote engineering rigor and quality culture
Job Qualifications
General:
Must possess a high level of engineering functional knowledge and experience across
multiple disciplines to successfully manage/guide the project/programme technical team.
Must possess the highest level of technical project leadership as the role is accountable for
the competing parameters of technical quality (Safety/Airworthiness) as well as project
schedule.
Must possess the highest level of problem-solving skills in both technical and programme
management disciplines to successfully manage the technical direction of the project and
support the overall business objectives of the programme.
The role requires the highest level of interpersonal skills see below for details of skills and
personal attributes required.
Essential:
Bachelor or Master Degree in (Aerospace) Engineering or equivalent working and thinking
Level gained through experience.
At least 15 years of relevant experience gained within an engineering discipline ideally
within an aerospace environment and in multi-disciplinary engineering project teams (Design
Aerodynamics Aerothermal Solid mechanics all type of Analysis Manufacturing &
Industrialization).
At least 5 years of stand-alone experience in handling non-conformances ranging from
recurrent to field issues of aero engine static structures
Experience with managing (complex) engineering projects or led teams (delivery through
people without direct hierarchical authority).
Previously held (internal) technical approval authority (i.e. is recognized as having appropriate
technical seniority for Design or Analysis).
Experience in dealing with related functions (Operations/Production Sales/Customer
Relationship Management Supplier Management and Development).
Project management planning and organising skills based on recognised project management
methods.
Solid approach/understanding to the delivery and tracking of engineering tasks.
Able to define challenging objectives and achieve them.
Relationship building at Levels up to and including senior management level. Able to work with cross-functional Teams that will typically include (in addition to the Design
Engineering Team) Operations Manufacturing Engineering Commercial. Procurement
Quality and Suppliers.
Has excellent judgement in considering when escalation is appropriate.
Strong minded convincing and committed focussed on delivery must be able to work under
pressure and to tight deadlines.
Ability to clearly present data reports and presentations to facilitate the decision-making
process at all levels of the business.
Desirable:
Having worked in multi-cultural multi-disciplinary teams in an international setting.
System level knowledge
Experience with developing and coaching people.
Ability to mentor and coach Engineers in the Delivery of their specific Task and supporting
their professional Growth.
Well 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 weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its 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.
Were 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 arethe place where human dreams plus humanendeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
GKN Aerospace is a global engineering group that make essential components for industries that touch lives across the globe