Associate Carbon Composite Operatives

baesystems; Samlesbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme bonus

Job summary

BAE Systems in Samlesbury is recruiting for Associate Carbon Composite Operatives to manufacture world-class aircraft components using advanced carbon composites. You’ll perform lay-up, bonding, assembly and repair on a full lifecycle, under strict safety and quality standards.

You’ll work from engineering drawings and instructions, operating a range of tools and equipment. The role sits in a highly regulated aerospace environment with opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Experience within a composites, manufacturing, engineering or clean-room environment.
• Knowledge of carbon fibre lay-up, laminating, vacuum bagging, curing and debagging processes, or similar manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing high-quality carbon composite components and assemblies using approved lay-up, bonding, assembly and repair techniques.
• Working from engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing instructions to ensure products are built to the required standards.
• Operating a range of tools, equipment and machinery across the full manufacturing lifecycle, from detail manufacture through to final assembly.
• Carrying out quality checks and inspections, identifying and escalating any defects or non-conformances.
• Maintaining a safe, compliant and efficient working environment while contributing to team safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives.

Skills

composites experience

manufacturing environment

clean-room environment

carbon fibre lay-up

laminating

vacuum bagging

curing

debagging

Job description

Job Title: Associate Carbon Composite Operatives

Job Location: Samlesbury - On Site -We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Referral Scheme Bonus: £1000

Grade Grade: 10

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your Line Manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE Should you be invited for interview, you will be giving consent for the Recruitment Team to contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

Who we are

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.

Role Description

As an Associate Carbon Composite Operative, you'll play a key role in the manufacture of world-class aircraft programmes. Working with advanced carbon composite materials, you'll carry out a range of manufacturing, lay-up, assembly and repair activities across the full product lifecycle, from detail manufacture through to structural assemblies. Operating within a highly regulated aerospace environment, you'll apply your composites knowledge whilst ensuring all work is completed to the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.

Core Duties

• Manufacturing high-quality carbon composite components and assemblies using approved lay-up, bonding, assembly and repair techniques
• Working from engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing instructions to ensure products are built to the required standards
• Operating a range of tools, equipment and machinery across the full manufacturing lifecycle, from detail manufacture through to final assembly
• Carrying out quality checks and inspections, identifying and escalating any defects or non-conformances
• Maintaining a safe, compliant and efficient working environment while contributing to team safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives

Essential skills

• Specific qualifications are not required; however, you should be able to demonstrate experience within a composites, manufacturing, engineering or clean-room environment
• Knowledge of carbon fibre lay-up, laminating, vacuum bagging, curing and debagging processes, or similar manufacturing techniques

The Air Sector Manufacturing Team

Embedded within Air Sector Manufacturing, you’ll play an integral part in delivering high-quality mechanical outputs that underpin programme performance. You’ll work to defined standards and approved methods, placing strong emphasis on safety, quality and consistency, while contributing to continuous improvement at shop‑floor level. The role sits within a fast‑moving and evolving area, providing opportunities to influence ways of working, strengthen operational discipline and build broad experience across Air Sector operations.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work - this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best.You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family - support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do

We welcome applications from all candidates and give full, fair and open consideration to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss any further support you may need. Connect with us at baesystems.com/connect

Security Statement

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 19th October 2026

Interviews will take place on 19th and 22nd October 2026. Attendance on one of these dates will be required to be considered for a role.