Job Description

GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Program (Lean Manufacturing)

Date: Apr 18, 2026

Location:Westlake, TX, US

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.

GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Program (Lean Manufacturing)

Start your career shaping the future of aerospace in a place where you’ll feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow.

At GKN Aerospace, we’re a global community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to design and build the next generation of aerospace technologies. As a graduate, you’ll join an inclusive and international team, gain hands-on experience, and grow your career in an environment where your ideas are valued, your voice is heard, and your contributions make a real difference.

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of our Global Graduate Program, you can expect to:

• Participate as a member of an established global team of graduates supporting our three business lines (Defense, Civil, & Engines) and our global functions team.
• Rotate across different areas over 24 months, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering, programs, operations, supply chain, procurement, and/or finance.
• Lead and contribute to real-life operations and strategic projects.
• Test and grow your leadership skills through real projects, mentoring, and structured development.
• Be part of a global graduate community that provides support and networking opportunities throughout your career.
• Begin your journey with us in September 2026.

Your duties and responsibilities may include:

• Driving projects and supporting teams to find the best solutions.
• Helping maintain performance within your team and for GKN Aerospace as a company.
• Building relationships with internal teams and external partners/customers.
• Collaborating across functions, segments, and teams to deliver excellence.
• Developing technical solutions to complex problems.

What You'll Bring

We’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make an impact in aerospace. To join our programme, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field of study.
• Ability to adhere to all global travel requirements, including country-specific vaccination requirements, in order to travel internationally for participation in global development weeks.
• A current passport or the ability to obtain a US-issued passport.
• A strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow.
• Keen interest in the Aerospace Manufacturing industry.
• Willingness and flexibility to relocate to any of our participating sites over the 24-month program.
• Team player with excellent planning and organization skills.
• Effective communication and writing skills.
• Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance requirements.
• Preferred: previous experience in aerospace and/or manufacturing sector (e.g. through internships).
• Preferred: previous involvement with STEM, early careers events.

What We'll Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:

• A 24-month programme with a permanent role when you finish.
• Varied and rewarding placements across different projects, programmes, and locations.
• The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
• A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager, mentor, and buddy throughout your programme.
• A starting salary plus benefits.
• High visibility across the business from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
• A welcoming global graduate community, a network of peers, friends, and future leaders.

We’ll support your career progression by providing you with the learning, development, and flexibility to thrive. And because we’re a global business, your career could take you further than you imagined.

What to Expect in the Selection Process

We aim to make our process simple and supportive:

1. Complete an online assessment.
2. If you meet our requirements, one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) will get in touch to arrange a virtual interview.
3. If successful, you’ll be invited to join us at our GKN Assessment Centre. 
4. If selected, you’ll officially start your journey with us September of 2026.

Please note: Some GKN Aerospace programs are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As such, part of the application process includes declaring information in relation to this.

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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