Controls Engineer

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

At GKN Aerospace, we are pioneers in aerospace and defense manufacturing, dedicated to innovation, precision, and excellence. Our cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality have positioned as the worldwide leader in military aircraft canopies and commercial aircraft passenger cabin windows. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and defense 

This role leads construction and facility upgrade projects that support manufacturing operations. You'll manage budgets, schedules, and safety requirements, while working closely with contractors, regulators, and internal teams. Your work ensures our infrastructure is ready for specialized production and meets all technical and compliance standards.

Location: Garden Grove, CA

Salary Range: $84,048 – $126,071

Department: Engineering / Facilities / Manufacturing

• Lead facility construction and expansion projects from initial planning through final delivery
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, budgets, schedules, and milestones
• Serve as the primary liaison with contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Monitor construction progress, conduct regular status reviews, and resolve issues proactively
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and customer-specific requirements
• Deliver executive-level updates and progress reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Support facility security approvals and export compliance processes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors
• Ensure infrastructure readiness for specialized aerospace manufacturing processes, including lamination, forming, coating, and inspection

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing machine development (feedback control, troubleshooting, programming, system design)
• U.S. Person status in accordance with ITAR regulations and ability to meet export compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), facility startups, or work transfers in aerospace manufacturing
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license or PMP certification
• Background in commercial or industrial construction within manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with infrastructure requirements for aerospace transparency systems
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling tools
• Proven ability to assess project risks, manage timelines, and implement effective solutions
• Experience leading complex or transformational launch projects in manufacturing

Why Join Us:

• Work with cutting-edge technology and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Be part of a company shaping the future of aerospace and defense.

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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