Composite Tooling Operator (12 month fixed term contract) - GKN

GKN; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace seeks a composites specialist for a 12-month FTC role focused on manufacturing and repairing composite tools. Join a skilled team committed to quality and safety, with opportunities for training and career development in a leading aerospace organization.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with pre-preg & wet layup, drilling, grinding, fettling.
• Ability to read drawings and follow standard processes.
• High attention to detail and a safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and repair composite tools ensuring compliance with standards.
• Implement at least 1 Kaizen per month as a Lean advocate.
• Report safety and quality issues immediately.

Skills

Composite materials knowledge

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Education

NVQ3 in Composite Engineering

Job description

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

This opportunity will be offered on an initial 12-month FTC, with a potential to go permanent, depending on business needs.

We are seeking a composites specialist to join a small, highly skilled team responsible for manufacturing and repairing composite tools for various contracts, ensuring compliance with customer, quality, and regulatory standards.

Job holders will need to achieve a “certified” status where applicable and will receive relevant training to perform their tasks safely and to a high quality, following a Job Instruction Process. Requirements will be outlined in their role/department competence matrix.

The Team Leader (TL) will support the job holder, providing training or coaching and responding promptly to any quality or safety issues.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with various composite materials (Pre-preg & Wet layup)
• Follow process/tool drawing requirements
• Prepare, lay-up, cure, and finish tools as required
• Lay-up composite materials as a Composite Operator when needed
• Perform tasks in compliance with standard work and training
• Adhere to the Site’s Business Management System (BMS) / Quality Management System (QMS)
• Report safety, quality, or other issues immediately to the Team Leader or Inspector
• Implement at least 1 Kaizen (problem identification and resolution) per month as a Lean advocate
• Support problem-solving efforts with ideas and solutions based on experience
• Understand and contribute to key performance indicators (People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, Cost)
• Uphold the GKNA culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, Ownership
• Comply with all health, safety, environmental policies, and legal/regulatory requirements including export controls
• Contribute to a positive team environment and support colleagues

Job Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge/experience in composite materials, including pre-preg & wet layup, drilling, grinding, fettling, polishing, mixing chemicals/resins
• NVQ3 in Composite Engineering or equivalent apprenticeship in aerospace or related field
• Experience in manufacturing composite tooling from detail parts using appropriate techniques
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow instructions accurately
• Ability to read drawings and adhere to standard processes
• Capability to work independently or as part of a team
• High attention to detail and a safety mindset

This role offers exciting challenges and opportunities to be part of a leading organization in aerospace innovation, with excellent training to support your growth.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

GKN welcomes all applicants and values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We foster a culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to contribute. We are committed to accessible recruitment and reasonable adjustments during the process.

Join us where human dreams and endeavor shape the future of aerospace technology.