Associate Industrial Engineer, Laminated Products
Job Location:
Garden Grove, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Engineering or related technical 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
- 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.
- 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.
Salary Range: $83535.00 -$104419.00
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
