Aircraft Fitter / Fabricator

Arden White Limited; South Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Arden White Limited on behalf of a leading UK rotary aviation organisation is seeking a skilled fabricator to manufacture aircraft parts from sheet metal and composites, supporting prototype and production programmes in a highly regulated environment.

You will read detailed drawings, apply coatings, inspect parts, and work with design and engineering teams to maintain airworthiness and safety across day-to-day hangar operations.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification in Fabrication.
• Experience in sheet metal and fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.
• Good manual dexterity and practical workshop skills.
• Clean UK driving licence.
• Portfolio of previous work to present.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture detailed aircraft parts from sheet metal to approved engineering data.
• Support prototype, retrofit, and series production programmes.
• Inspect subcontractor/manufactured parts for compliance with drawings.
• Assemble parts produced in-house and by external suppliers.
• Apply protective coatings to structural components.
• Carry out structural repairs on in-service helicopters using sheet metal and composite techniques.
• Work closely with design and engineering teams.
• Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and airworthiness requirements.
• Support day-to-day hangar operations, including aircraft handling.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards.
• Work flexibly within a highly regulated aviation environment.

Skills

Sheet metal fabrication

Reading drawings

Manual dexterity

Confined spaces

Attention to detail

Communication skills

UK driving licence

Teamwork

Independent worker

PPE use

Education

Level 2 Fabrication qualification

Tools

SAP

Envision

Job description

Arden White Aerospace and Aviation Recruitment are currently working with a leading UK based rotary aviation organisation.

This opportunity sits within a specialist engineering environment supporting bespoke helicopter modification, retrofit, and maintenance programmes across civil, military, and special mission platforms.

You’ll play a key role in prototype development, structural repairs, and series production, working with sheet metal and composite components to exacting aviation standards.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manufacturing detailed aircraft parts from sheet metal to approved engineering data
• Supporting prototype, retrofit, and series production programmes
• Inspecting subcontractor?manufactured parts for compliance with drawings
• Assembling parts produced in?house and by external suppliers
• Applying protective coatings to structural components
• Carrying out structural repairs on in?service helicopters using sheet metal and composite techniques
• Working closely with the design and engineering teams
• Ensuring all work meets safety, quality, and airworthiness requirements
• Supporting day?to?day hangar operations, including aircraft handling
• Maintaining high housekeeping standards
• Working flexibly within a highly regulated aviation environment

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Level 2 qualification in Fabrication (or similar)
• Experience in sheet metal, metal fabrication, mechanical fitting, or automotive repair
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings
• Good manual dexterity and practical workshop skills
• Comfortable working in confined spaces
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi?skilled team
• Reliable, well organised, and calm under pressure
• Good communication skills
• Strong health & safety awareness and correct use of PPE
• Competent using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Clean UK driving licence
• Ability to present a photographic portfolio of previous work

Desirable

• Aviation or aerospace experience
• Knowledge of close?tolerance sheet metal manufacturing techniques
• Understanding of aviation fasteners, rivets, bonding, and assembly methods
• Composite repair or manufacturing experience
• SAP and/or Envision experience

Additional Information

• DBS clearance and eligibility for SC clearance required
• Must meet UK Export Control requirements
• Legal right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• Shift work may be required (shift allowance payable)
• Occasional UK and overseas travel may be required

About Us

Arden White specialises in engineering, aerospace, and recruitment. We believe in the value of a personal touch and strive to be recognised, appreciated, and remembered for our service.

Arden White specialises in technical engineering recruitment, and all job applications are managed by our team. We believe in the value of a personal touch, and we work hard to deliver aswift, professional, and friendly service for our clients and candidates. We are acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy, and whilst we are advertising the role, we are not the hiring company.

Due to the high volume of applications, we’re unable to respond to everyone individually. If you haven’t heard from us within 14 days, unfortunately you’ve not been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, please continue to monitor our website vacancies for more opportunities.