Composites Technician

Line Up Aviation; Harwell; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Line Up Aviation in Harwell, Oxfordshire, is recruiting a Composites Technician for a permanent role. You will manufacture carbon/glass/aramid fibre components and support MAIT activities, including layup, resin impregnation, VARTM or autoclave curing, and finishing.

You’ll also help write MAPs and Test Procedures, support R&D and flight hardware assembly, and assist with facility management. A practical background in composites and ability to gain UK security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable practical experience of composites manufacturing.
• Knowledge of MAIT (Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, Test).
• Ability to read detailed drawings and tolerances.
• Willingness to support flexible hours and occasional travel to sub-contractors.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture carbon fibre, glass fibre and aramid fibre components.
• Process layup, resin impregnation, VARTM or autoclave curing, and finishing.
• Assist in tooling/mould fabrication with epoxy or foam materials.
• Support manufacturing assembly, R&D and flight hardware.
• Write or contribute to Manufacturing Assembly Procedures and Test Procedures.
• Assist in facility management and MAIT process definition.

Skills

Composites manufacturing

MAIT knowledge

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Teamwork

Tools

VARTM

Autoclave

Mould tool fabrication

Job description

Our client has an opportunity for a Composites Technician to join them on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for performing the manufacturing of composites / fibre-based material components and support day to day MAIT activities.
Role: Composites Technician
Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Discussed on application

What you'll be doing:

• Manufacture fibre-based materials components i.e. Carbon Fibre/ Glass Fibre / Aramid Fibre based components.
• Able to process fibre based materials through material layup, resin impregnation, VARTM or Autoclave based curing methods followed by finishing processes.
• Able to manufacture simple tooling / moulds and patterns using epoxy or foam based materials
• Support in and assembly of R&D and flight hardware.
• Support in the writing of Manufacturing Assembly Procedures (MAPs) and Test Procedures.
• Support in the facility management.
• Support the Project PA Managers in defining/writing qualified MAIT processes when required.
• Adhere to internal processes up to completion of tasks and to help Identify and propose process improvements and if approved support the implementation
• Support customer/internal reviews
• Visit sub-contractors/suppliers when required
• Ability to be flexible in working hours to meet schedules. (i.e., the occasional long day/weekends)
• Strong discipline in engineering knowledge with very strong experience in Assembly of precision components
• Punctuality
• Demonstrable practical experience of composites manufacturing
• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of MAIT (Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, Test (functional testing, Electrical bonding/isolation, Vibration, shock, TVAC, kinematic testing of deployable systems)
• Demonstrable experience of using Assembly procedures
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of detailed drawings, surface finishes, tolerances, materials
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software
• Pragmatic and logical approach to problem-solving - ability to find simple solutions to complex problems
• Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills and written/verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational, Task management and multi-tasking skills
• Demonstrative ability to work on own initiative
• Apprentice trained (Mechanical) a distinct advantage
• Previous experience of the Space Industry and knowledge of relevant ECSS standards
• Technical knowledge of machine components
• An understanding of aerospace processes and components would be advantageous
• Ability to gain security clearance (be resident in the UK for at least 5 years)