Fabrication Specialist

Prattwhitney; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Leighton Buzzard is seeking a Fabrication Specialist to deliver high‑quality components per exacting drawings and specifications. You will operate and set up press brakes, Trumpf CNC punch, welding machines and finishing operations, while upholding safety, quality and efficiency standards.

The role requires a strong background in high‑precision fabrication, GD&T and aerospace standards, with the ability to work independently or in a team and mentor others on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience operating fabrication equipment in a high-precision environment.
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T and tolerances.
• Excellent problem-solving with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards is highly desirable.
• Able to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong commitment to EH&S and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate fabrication equipment (press brakes, CNC punch, welding) per drawings and specs.
• Set up and adjust tooling and equipment to optimise quality.
• Be the primary focal point for the fabrication cell and maintain excellence.
• Execute day plan, coordinate resources, remove bottlenecks, ensure flow.
• Resolve floor issues promptly, escalate to supervisor when needed.
• Mentor operators and promote best practices on the floor.
• Deputise for supervisor when absent; participate in planning/quality meetings.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet goals and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement to optimise processes and efficiency.
• Monitor and report KPIs aligned with organisational objectives.

Skills

Fabrication equipment operation

GD&T

Problem solving

Aerospace standards

Teamwork

EH&S & quality

Education

Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in fabrication or mechanical engineering

Job description

Join us at Collins Aerospace as a Fabrication Specialist in Leighton Buzzard. In this role you will deliver high‑quality fabricated components that meet exacting specifications while ensuring strict adherence to quality, safety and efficiency standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and set up fabrication equipment such as press brakes, Trumpf CNC punch, welding machines and finishing operations to produce components in line with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Adjust equipment settings and tooling to optimise performance and product quality.
• Act as the primary focal point for the fabrication cell, ensuring operational excellence and addressing challenges.
• Execute the tactical day plan, coordinating resources, removing bottlenecks and maintaining a smooth flow of operations.
• Assess and resolve issues on the floor promptly, escalating concerns to the supervisor when necessary.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to operators, promoting skill development and best practices.
• Deputise for the supervisor in their absence, including participation in planning and quality discussion meetings.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet production goals, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes and enhance overall efficiency within the cell.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in operating and setting up fabrication equipment in a high‑precision engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T and dimensional tolerances.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong commitment to EH&S and quality standards.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Time‑served apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in fabrication or mechanical engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with fabrication equipment in a production or manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Employee assistance programme for personal support.
• Cycle to work scheme and other employee discounts.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.