Manufacturing Engineer - Surface Treatment

Manufacturing Engineer - Surface Treatment

Date: Sep 15, 2026

Location:Papendrecht, NL

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

The vacancy: Manufacturing Engineer - Materials & Processes

We are looking to strengthen the Manufacturing Engineering team at Fokker Landing Gear, located in Papendrecht, and for this reason, we are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer – Materials & Processes for the Surface Treatment team.

As a Manufacturing Engineer at our multi-technology manufacturing campus in Papendrecht, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and seamless production of landing gear components by focusing on the processes of honing, grinding, polishing and benchwork operations. Your contributions will directly support the delivery of unique projects that prioritize the safety of everyone who relies on our products in flight.

Fokker Landing Gear

Fokker Landing Gear, part of GKN Fokker, is a recognized specialist in landing gear and related systems. We focus on the design and development, production and assembly of complete landing gears, as well as the repair  and reassembly of systems already in use. In doing so, we work on the most famous aircraft and helicopters; think of the Apache combat helicopter, the F-35 Lightning II (JSF), the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and the multipurpose NH90 maritime combat helicopter.

What You'll Do

• Be responsible for the implementation of materials and process methods and solutions, from original concept through to full production readiness, including manual and precision finishing operations such as honing, grinding, polishing, and benchwork.
• Deploy and sustain these processes with a high degree of process capability, utilizing the GKN standard Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite to demonstrate robust and repeatable performance.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing development and production integration, including hands-on process definition, optimization, and troubleshooting of honing, grinding, polishing, and benchwork operations. Resolve issues pertaining to internal and vendor quality.
• Act as a subject matter expert in precision finishing and bench operations, supporting production activities with the goal of improving efficiency, product quality, surface integrity, and reducing non‑conforming parts.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems by exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring compliance with the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Hold responsibility for the technical support of manufacturing development and integration for production. 
• Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances.
• Deliver measurable, metrics driven results in line with Operational & Program goals.
• Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers.
• Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge and/or practical experience in surface finishing techniques, including honing, grinding, polishing, and benchwork, within a safety‑critical or tightly regulated manufacturing environment (preferably in aerospace); experience in closely related precision material removal or finishing processes is also acceptable.
• 5+ years' experience in Manufacturing Engineering, preferably with some experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment,
• Degree in a related Engineering discipline, such as Mechanical, Material Science.
• Ability to influence people, build trust and establish effective working relationship within a global organization. 
• Proactive, flexible and process oriented.
• Working knowledge of LEAN processes and practices. 
• Working knowledge of quality system models such as ISO9000, AS9100, or D1-9000.
• Quality driven and strong documentation / reporting skills.
• Fluency in English, both in writing & speaking. 

What We'll Offer

A challenging position in an innovative and international environment with a rich history in aircraft manufacturing. Our organization breathes passion for engineering and all our teams are justifiably proud of what they develop and build. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will receive a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• A gross salary up to 5.715,- per month, based on the CAO Metalektro (salary scale K) and depending on your experience and qualifications. 
• 40 paid holidays for full-time employment.
• Working conditions according to the CAO Metalektro, including an excellent pension scheme and  travel allowance.
• A working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result  for our customers.
• Every opportunity to build on your career and personal development.

Extra info

You can apply by clicking on the 'apply' button and attaching your CV. Part of the selection procedure is carrying out the necessary checks and screenings in order to meet the requirements set by GKN Fokker's customers, partners and suppliers within the program. The checks and screenings will be assessed on the basis of frameworks set by our Export Compliance & Security department. Every employee within GKN Fokker must ultimately be authorized to give substance to his or her position. Assessment of checks and screenings can lead to the fact that no content can be given to the position and therefore no employment or deployment can follow. The onboarding at Fokker usually takes 3 weeks.
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN Fokker Aerospace. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created an environment where everyone can be at their best.
We are 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. 

*Due to privacy regulations we only accept applications via the website. You can apply directly via the button.

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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