Assembly, Integration, and Test Technician

AALTO; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence incentive plan

25 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Dental and optical cash back

Company pension

Income protection

Life assurance

Discount salary sacrifice (Perkbox)

Employee assistance programme

Perkbox discounts

Job summary

AALTO is seeking an Assembly, Integration and Test Technician in Farnborough to support the build and integration of Zephyr aircraft and Ground Support Equipment. You will help deliver mission-ready platforms to the highest quality standards and ensure safe, efficient production.

The role requires hands-on electrical and mechanical assembly, the ability to read drawings, and experience with avionic hardware testing. Training and a strong safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or engineering apprenticeship completed.
• NVQ Level 03 in Avionics or similar.
• Able to read engineering drawings and follow procedures.
• Able to install and test avionic hardware and wiring.
• Familiar with test procedures and inspection steps.
• Knowledge of basic test equipment and crimp tools.

Responsibilities

• Avionic and mechanical equipment installation, wiring and system integration.
• Manufacture of avionic in-house components as required.
• Maintain build records.
• Health and Safety adherence and reporting.
• Train and mentor new team members.
• Carry out dimensional verification to specification.
• Identify waste and improve assembly efficiency.
• Support shop safety and problem resolution.
• Handle fragile components safely.

Skills

Aerospace apprenticeship

NVQ Level 03 Avionics

Reading drawings

Wiring and installation

Test procedures

ESD awareness

Dimensional verification

Soldering

Problem solving

MS Office

Education

Aerospace/Engineering Full Apprenticeship

NVQ Level 03 Avionics

Tools

Crimp tools

Test equipment

ESD-safe tools

Job description

AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

About The Role

As Assembly, Integration, and Test Technician, you will support the build and integration of AALTO’s Zephyr aircraft and Ground Support Equipment, helping deliver mission-ready platforms safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities To Include

• Avionic and mechanical equipment installation, wiring and system integration of UAV’s platforms.
• Manufacture of avionic in-house components as required.
• Maintain build records.
• Health and Safety process adherence and reporting.
• Contribution to Problem Solving and corrective action delivery.
• Using measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to carry out dimensional verification to the specification.
• Identify waste in assembly processes and implement activities to improve efficiency.
• Support shop safety initiatives and manage timely implementation of countermeasures to resolve problems.
• Safe handling and protection of very fragile and flexible components
• Mitigate immediate risks including ‘stop work’ as well as elevate emerging risks, issues and shortfalls in a timely manner.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to new and existing team members to support workforce development and knowledge sharing.
• Carry out daily housekeeping tasks to ensure health, safety, and operational requirements.

Skills And Knowledge Required

• Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship.
• Completed an NVQ Level 03 Qualification in Avionics Engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Strong understanding of ability to read engineering drawings and follow process instructions.
• Conducting and recording of installation and system integration tests.
• Ability to read and understand test procedures.
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• Knowledge of basic test equipment and crimp tools.
• Ability to carry out soldering to a good quality standard.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of working in ESD sensitive environments.
• Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing/ maintenance and processes applicable.
• Dimensional verification to the specification.
• Demonstrated experience pro-actively solving technical problems.
• Experience of hands-on production of avionic hardware and wiring installations.
• Quality conscious working method and organised approach to tasks.
• Works well under pressure, works hard to meet strict production targets.
• Clear and effective communication skills (both written and oral).
• Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing/ maintenance and processes applicable to the aviation environment (Human Factors, FOD, Tool Control, Health & Safety & COSHH).
• Understanding of 6S.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills, and use of the Microsoft Office suite.

In Addition To An Attractive Market-aligned Salary, We Offer

• Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.
• Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
• Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.
• Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.
• Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.
• Getting around: Drive the latest vehicles with our discounted salary sacrifice scheme.
• We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.
• Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, from household goods to travel!

At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.