Hydraulic Assembly Technician

SAAB UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence company is seeking a Hydraulic Assembly Technician for its operations in Fareham. In this role, you will build, assemble, and test hydraulic sub-assemblies, including hydraulic skids, to meet manufacturing specifications. Key responsibilities include conducting hydraulic tests, collaborating with engineering teams to resolve issues, and ensuring quality standards are met. Candidates should possess experience with essential bench tools, machine tool qualifications, and electrical wiring knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative underwater robotics solutions.

Qualifications

• Ability to use essential bench tools such as pillar drill, linisher, and grinder.
• Desirable machine tool qualifications like lathe and mill equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical wiring, including 3 phase soldering and crimping.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and test hydraulic sub-assemblies including valves and manifolds.
• Conduct hydraulic test operations like pressure testing and leak checks.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve build issues.

Skills

Use of essential bench tools

Machine tool qualification

Electrical wiring knowledge

Tools

Pillar drill

Linisher

Grinder

Lathe

Mill equipment

Job description

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world‑leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.

The Role

This role is part of our Saab Seaeye underwater robotics business in Fareham.

As a Hydraulic assembly technician, your primary role will be to build, assemble, and test hydraulic sub‑assemblies and finished components, including hydraulic skids, to meet manufacturing and quality specifications. In addition, you will occasionally contribute to the final assembly of ROV systems by installing and integrating hydraulic sub‑assemblies, pipework, and related systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and test hydraulic sub‑assemblies, including valves, manifolds, cylinders, hoses [id/Cert/build/swaging/labelling] and pipework [bending, swaging and ID]
• Assemble full hydraulic tooling skids, manipulators and Sleds to specification, ensuring quality and functional performance.
• Carry out hydraulic test operations such as pressure testing, flushing, leak checks, and functional testing of completed assemblies.
• Install and integrate hydraulic sub‑assemblies and pipework into ROV builds during final assembly phases.
• Read and work from engineering drawings, hydraulic schematics, electrical drawings, and technical instructions with high accuracy.
• Complete build documentation, test records, and quality assurance paperwork in line with internal and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and test teams to resolve build issues and support improvements in design or manufacturing processes.
• Surveying, fault finding and testing repairs to support aftersales and technical support departments.
• Identify, report, and help investigate non‑conformances, contributing to corrective and preventative actions.
• Ensure safe use and maintenance of workshop tools and equipment, including torque tools, hydraulic pumps, pressure test rigs, and lifting equipment. May require involvement in test equipment builds.

Experience and Skills

• Be able to use essential Bench tools such as Pillar drill, linisher, grinder
• Machine tool qualification desirable such as Lathe/Mill equipment.
• Electrical wiring knowledge desirable: 3 Phase soldering, crimping and routing of DC and AC motors.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.