Cartridge Assembly Technician

Martin-Baker Aircraft Co Ltd; Chalgrove; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% non-contributory pension

4x salary Life Assurance

Personalised training & development plan

Healthcare Cash Plan

Cycle to Work benefits

Discounts via Martin-Baker+ platform

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer based in Chalgrove seeks a Cartridge Assembly Technician to join their team. This hands-on role involves the assembly, inspection, and packing of cartridges for pyrotechnic components critical to life-saving systems. Candidates must possess manufacturing experience, basic engineering drawing skills, and be able to work under pressure. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a non-contributory pension and healthcare cash plan.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing/component assembly.
• Basic experience of reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Can work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Solid PC skills and data analysis capability.
• Strong verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assemble category 1 cartridges following company instructions.
• Kit components for assembly and prepare hardware.
• Pack and label cartridges and rocket motors.
• Perform visual inspection of products for conformance.
• Transport and organise components across departments.
• Contribute to safety assessments and audits.

Skills

Manufacturing/component assembly

Reading engineering drawings

Team player

Ability to work under pressure

PC skills

Data analysis

Verbal communication

Job description

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:45pm, Friday 8:00am–12:00pm
Shift Pattern: Transitioning to a 4‑on, 4‑off shift pattern when fully trained 07:00am to 4:30pm (177 shifts per year. Shift allowance applies from after the transition.)

Join the team that saves lives in the skies. At Martin‑Baker, we’ve been protecting aircrew for over 80 years as the world leader in ejection and crashworthy seat technology. Every component you help create contributes to a system that has saved over 7,700 lives worldwide.

We’re now looking for a Cartridge Assembly Technician to join our Cartridge and Rocket team at Chalgrove. This hands‑on role involves precision assembly, packing and inspection of cartridges for pyrotechnic components that form a vital part of our life‑saving systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assembly of category 1 (low complexity) cartridges following company build plans, process work instructions and engineering drawings.
• Kitting components for assembly and preparation of hardware for use in assembly.
• Packing cartridges and rocket motors into a specified licensed packaging in accordance with drawing and customer requirements. Includes labeling and palletising for shipment to customers.
• Visual inspection of cartridges and rocket motors ensuring conformance to engineering drawings, company requirements and specifications.
• Transporting and organising components, tooling, and assemblies across departments.
• Contributing to risk assessments, audits, and maintaining a culture of explosive safety.

About You

We’re looking for a hands‑on, safety‑conscious individual with a strong mechanical mindset and a passion for precision.

Requirements

• Experience in manufacturing/component assembly
• Basic experience of reading and interpreting engineering drawings
• Be a team player with the ability to work independently
• Can work under pressure to balance priorities to agreed deadlines
• PC skills
• Solid data analysis skills
• Solid verbal communication skills

What’s In It For You

• 9% non‑contributory pension (18+)
• 4x salary Life Assurance (18+)
• Personalised training & development plan
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work & nursery benefits
• Discounts via the Martin‑Baker+ platform

Your Interview Journey

You’ll start with a detailed screening call with your Recruitment Business Partner, followed by a structured interview with the hiring manager and a short trade test to demonstrate your practical skills and engineering knowledge.

About Martin‑Baker

Martin‑Baker is a proudly British engineering company and the world’s leading manufacturer of ejection seats. Our mission is simple to save aircrew lives. We are committed to inclusion, equal opportunity and proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. This role is subject to UK Government BPSS security clearance.

Learn more: martin-baker.com/security-vetting. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be currently residing here.

Ready to Join a Team That Saves Lives?

Apply now via the link, email your CV to [e-mail], or call 01952 281908 to discuss the role in more detail.