Non-Conformance Engineer-Design (NCE-D)

Job description

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 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 teams—including design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and field service—to drive timely and technically robust resolutions to non conformance 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 AOG’s) 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. 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. ​ ​