Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer Internship, Process Optimization and Key Characterization

Date: May 7, 2025

Location:Garden Grove, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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!

Project Title

Process Optimization and Key Characteristic Manufacturing Engineer Internship

Project Overview

This 12-month internship offers an exciting hands-on opportunity for a motivated Mechanical Engineer Intern to Embark on an exciting internship as a Manufacturing Engineer Intern focusing on process optimization and defining key characteristics for high-priority item IDs. In this role, you'll work with cross-functional teams to analyze blueprints, specifications, shop floor routers, and other technical documents to identify critical process controls. You'll also utilize ERP systems to establish statistical process controls (SPC), ensuring that manufacturing processes consistently achieve desired results.

Benefits of the Internship

• Ownership of a technical documentation project with lasting business value.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers, configuration specialists, and facilities managers.
• Insight into aerospace facility operations and systems integration.
• Possibility of full-time employment or future placement based on performance and business needs.

Main Project Deliverables

• Define and document key characteristics for high-priority item IDs by analyzing blueprints, specifications, and shop floor routers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineers, quality assurance, and operations, to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Establish controls within the ERP system to support process monitoring and data collection for SPC implementation.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and statistical data to validate process controls and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by creating actionable insights from process data.
• Conduct audits of processes and controls to maintain compliance with manufacturing standards and specifications.
• Assist with other engineering-related tasks to enhance operational efficiency and quality assurance.

Learning Outcomes

• Real-world experience auditing and updating critical facilities infrastructure documentation.
• Practical exposure to mechanical engineering standards.
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication with engineering, safety, and operations stakeholders.
• Foundational understanding of manufacturing standards, processes and product lifecycle.

Job Qualifications

• Currently in final year of school or within 1 year of graduating with Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering or a related field.
• Currently holds 3.0 GPA or hire.
• Available to work 30+ hours per week.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and capable of handling large datasets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.
• Ability to be on your feet for most of the day.
• Must be able to walk up to 3 miles per day in the course of job duties.
• Capability to bend, stoop, and take pictures as required.
• Comfortable lifting up to 25 pounds as part of routine responsibilities.
• US Person per ITAR regulations and able to comply with export compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and tools is a plus.
• Basic understanding of aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100) is preferred.
• Foundational understanding of manufacturing principles and aerospace industry standards is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment 
• Exposure to infrastructure or facilities-related projects.

Compensation Data

Pay Rate: $25.00/hr

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.
•  

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

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