Bench operator

Wärtsilä; Havant; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Wärtsilä Defence solutions limited (UK) is seeking a bench fitter to support production, operate hand tools and manual machinery, and ensure quality and on-time delivery. You will interpret drawings, perform finishing tasks, and maintain safety standards while contributing to a busy manufacturing environment.

The role requires mechanical aptitude, knowledge of safety practices, and strong communication within a small team.

Qualifications

• 5 years in an Engineering environment or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to understand and follow health and safety procedures.
• Mechanical/assembly aptitude and problem solving.
• Read and understand technical drawings.
• Able to communicate effectively within a small team.

Responsibilities

• Follow manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality output.
• Operate hand tools and manual machines safely and efficiently.
• Self-inspect completed work and document details.
• Work to production schedules and targets.
• Carry out deburring, cleaning, finishing of components and crates.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading drawings

Safety procedures

Communication in small team

Education

College level education or manufacturing experience

Tools

Hand tools

Manual machinery

Job description

Wärtsilä Defence solutions limited enhances the business of its customers by providing integrated systems, packages and products that are efficient, economically sound, and environmentally sustainable. Being a truly global organization with over 100 years of experience, we have the ability to supply solutions supported by a broad product range and services portfolio during the whole lifecycle of the vessel.

Position Description

Business demand will drive the required manpower and skills at any given time when instruction will be given for duties to be carried out.

Flexibility is key for this position with a wide variety of duties to be carried out in a safe accurate manner working to our OTIF target.

Main Responsibilities

• Follow established manufacturing processes precisely to ensure high-quality product output.
• Operate hand tools and manual machinery to carry out production tasks safely and efficiently.
• Perform self-inspection of completed work and ensure all required documentation is accurately completed and recorded.
• Work to planned schedules and production workloads, ensuring departmental targets are achieved.
• Carry out deburring, cleaning, and finishing of components and crates to required standards.
• Pack finished goods into shipping containers in accordance with specified procedures.
• Perform splitting and reassembly of seal rings as required.
• Bond running face inserts into seal rings while strictly following established bonding procedures.
• Conduct lapping and grinding of seal rings using manual machinery to achieve precise finishes.
• Complete all required safety training, including manual handling, slinging and lifting, and powered stacker truck operation.
• Adapt to changing business demands by undertaking different duties as instructed to support operational needs.
• Maintain flexibility and accuracy while performing a wide variety of tasks to meet OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery targets.
• Interpret technical drawings and process method sheets to machine and finish components to customer specifications.
• Demonstrate willingness to work overtime when requested to support production requirements.

Accountabilities

• Bench fitter duties using hand tools and manual machines.
• Communicate with all team members to ensure proactive actions to meet OTIF.
• Continuous improvement relating to process and procedures.
• All duties carried out to be done in a safe manner following H&S safety procedures.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in an Engineering environment.
• Understand Health & Safety environment/procedures.
• Mechanical/assembly aptitude.
• Read and understand drawings.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a small team.
• Ideally educated to college standard or solid experience working in manufacturing industry.

Last application date: 16/08/2026

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.