Assembly, Integration, and Test Technician

AALTO; Rushmoor; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Dental and optical cash back

Personal pension plan

Income protection and life assurance

Discounted salary sacrifice scheme

Employee assistance programme

Perkbox discounts

Job summary

AALTO in Farnborough is seeking an Assembly, Integration and Test Technician to support the build and integration of the Zephyr aircraft and Ground Support Equipment. You will work to high quality standards, installing avionic and mechanical systems and recording build data.

You'll read engineering drawings, follow procedures, perform tests, and help train colleagues while maintaining a safe and efficient production environment. The role offers a market-aligned salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship in aerospace/engineering completed.
• NVQ Level 03 in Avionics or related discipline completed.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow instructions.
• Conduct installation and system integration tests and record results.
• Ability to read and understand test procedures.
• Knowledge of basic test equipment and crimp tools.
• Soldering ability to a good standard.
• Understanding of working in ESD sensitive environments.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing/maintenance processes.
• Dimensional verification to specification.
• Demonstrated problem-solving in technical contexts.
• Hands-on production experience with avionic hardware.
• Quality-conscious and organized work approach.
• Ability to work under production pressure.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Awareness of 6S and safety practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install and wire avionic and mechanical systems on UAV platforms.
• Manufacture in-house avionic components as required.
• Maintain comprehensive build records.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and report issues.
• Contribute to problem solving and corrective actions.
• Use calibrated jigs and measuring equipment for dimensional checks.
• Identify waste in assembly and drive efficiency improvements.
• Support shop safety initiatives and implement countermeasures.
• Handle fragile components with care in ESD environments.
• Escalate risks and issues and stop work when necessary.
• Provide training and mentorship to peers and new staff.
• Perform daily housekeeping to meet safety and operational standards.

Skills

Read engineering drawings

Soldering

Crimp tools

Dimensional verification

Problem solving

Communication skills

Aircraft manufacturing/maintenance

ESD awareness

Education

Aerospace/Engineering Full Apprenticeship

NVQ Level 03 in Avionics Engineering or related

Tools

Crimp tools

Test equipment

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.
• 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!

Does this opportunity excite you but you're not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that 'normal' office hours aren't possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can't accommodate every flexible working request, we'll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?