Composite Structures Technician - Future Opportunities

Aalto; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Pension plan

Income protection

Life assurance

Perkbox discounts

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

AALTO in Farnborough, England, is seeking a Composite Structures Technician to support the manufacture of Zephyr high-altitude platform system and Ground Support Equipment, delivering skilled production to time, cost, quality and safety standards. You will participate in hands-on aircraft build, integration and continuous improvement.

The role requires an aerospace or engineering full apprenticeship and an NVQ Level 3 in avionics or related discipline, plus reading drawings and bonding skills.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or engineering apprenticeship completed.
• NVQ Level 3 in avionics engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow process instructions.
• Strong hand skills to trim, form and shape composite parts.
• Knowledge of adhesive bonding for composites.
• Dimensional verification to specification.
• Working in an ESD sensitive environment.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet production targets.
• Clear written and oral communication skills.
• EWIS training.
• Knowledge of aircraft manufacturing/maintenance processes (HF, FOD, Tool Control, Health & Safety & COSHH).
• Understanding of 6S.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and assemble aircraft structure (sub-assembly and primary).
• Use measuring equipment and calibrated jigs for dimensional verification.
• Identify waste in assembly and implement efficiency improvements.
• Support shop safety initiatives and implement countermeasures.
• Post adhesive bonding quality checks.
• Mitigate risks and escalate issues promptly.
• Provide training and mentorship to team members.
• Carry out daily housekeeping to meet health and safety requirements.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

Dimensional verification

Hand skills for composites

Adhesive bonding techniques

ESD awareness

Clear communication

EWIS training

6S knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship

NVQ Level 03 in Avionics Engineering or related

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 a Composite Structures Technician, you will support the manufacture of AALTO’s Zephyr high-altitude platform system and associated Ground Support Equipment, delivering skilled production activity to the required standards of time, cost, quality and safety. You will play a key part in enabling the successful delivery of the HAPS global business case through hands‑on aircraft build, integration and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities to include:

• The manufacture and assembly of aircraft structure (both sub-assembly and primary assembly).
• 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.
• Post adhesive bonding quality check to meet quality assurance standards.
• Mitigate immediate risks including ‘stop work’ as well as escalat 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.
• Strong hand skills and ability to trim, form and shape composite parts
• Knowledge of adhesive bonding techniques and processes for composite parts
• Dimensional verification to the specification.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of working in ESD sensitive environments.
• Works well under pressure, works hard to meet strict production targets.
• Clear and effective communication skills (both written and oral).
• EWIS (Electrical Wiring and Interconnection Systems) Training.
• 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?

Composite Structures Technician - Future Opportunities • Farnborough, England, United Kingdom