Hydraulic Press Operator

NP Aerospace; Coventry; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme (9% employer/employee)

Life cover

Health plan

Career development

Defence sector support

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking a Hydraulic Press Setter Operator in Coventry to support production. The role combines day-to-day press operation with tool-change setups, ensuring safety, quality and adherence to PUWER requirements.

You will operate 4 days on, 4 days off rotating shifts of 11.25 hours (days/nights) with breaks, and contribute to continuous improvement and traceability across the department.

Qualifications

• Experience operating hydraulic presses in manufacturing/production.
• Experience supporting press setups, tool changes or changeovers.
• Understanding of press setup parameters (pressure, temp, dwell).
• Knowledge of hydraulic presses, steam rigs or heated platen systems.
• Ability to follow instructions and ensure safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Operate an assigned hydraulic press safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
• Produce composite components per Manufacturing Instructions and schedules.
• Monitor performance, quality and cycle times; escalate issues promptly.
• Carry out routine checks and quality inspections; document correctly.
• Carry out mechanical and thermal setup during tool changes and changeovers.
• Verify presses are set and safe before returning to production.
• Support efficient changeovers to minimise downtime and maintain output.

Tools

Langzauner hydraulic press

Bipo hydraulic press

steam rigs

heated platen systems

forklift certification

overhead crane

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Job description

Vacancy Type: Full-time and Permanent

Salary: £29,000 base plus £9,570 shift allowance, total £38,570 per year

4+ Permanent Positions | Continental Shift | Coventry | Immediate Start

The role

As a Hydraulic Press Setter Operator, you will play an important role in keeping production running safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

This is a hands‑on role that combines day to day hydraulic press operation with press setting responsibilities during tool changes and process changeovers. You will normally operate your assigned press to support production targets, product quality and safe working. When a press changeover is required, you will support the Team Leader by moving away from your allocated press to complete the mechanical and thermal setup needed to bring the next press safely back into production.

Once the setup has been completed, verified and handed back to production, you will return to operating your own press. This flexible approach helps reduce downtime, support efficient changeovers and maintain output across the department.

You will ensure all press operations, setups and changeovers are completed safely, accurately and in line with Manufacturing Instructions, company procedures, quality requirements and PUWER regulations.

Do you want to know more about NPA? Visit our LinkedIn page and NPA Careers Page to find out more about us!

This role is a rotating continental shift pattern. You work 4 days on, then 4 days off, on 11.25-hour shifts. Shifts rotate between days and nights.

Day shift: 6am to 6pm

Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes

Night shift: 6pm to 6am

Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes

Your rota will confirm whether you are on days or nights for each 4-day block.

What you’ll get in return

• Performance rewards - discretionary bonus opportunities
• Time to recharge: 247.5 hours per year, equivalent to 22 shifts per year
• Support for Defence - two weeks' paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) - subject to approval
• Future security - competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
• Peace of mind - life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first - BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us - career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment - a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

Responsibilities

In this role, you will carry out a range of hands‑on production tasks to support safe, consistent output and strong traceability. The key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

Press operation

• Operate an assigned hydraulic press safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
• Produce composite components in line with Manufacturing Instructions, process specifications and production schedules.
• Monitor press performance, product quality and cycle times, escalating any issues promptly.
• Carry out routine operator checks, inspections and quality checks to ensure products meet the required standard.
• Complete all required production, quality and traceability documentation accurately and on time.
• Report equipment faults, quality concerns, safety issues or production delays to the Team Leader.

Press setting and changeovers

• Carry out mechanical and thermal setup of hydraulic presses during tool changes and product changeovers.
• Set pressure, temperature, dwell times and process parameters in line with approved specifications.
• Operate Langzauner and Bipo hydraulic presses, including 300 to 400 ton presses, where trained and authorised to do so.
• Safely operate steam rigs and heated platen systems in line with training, procedures and safety requirements.
• Verify that presses are correctly set and safe before releasing them back into production.
• Support efficient changeovers to minimise downtime and maintain production output.

General responsibilities

• Conduct pre use checks and routine equipment inspections.
• Work in line with PUWER, Health and Safety, quality procedures and Manufacturing Instructions at all times.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards through 5S and keep the work area clean, safe and organised.
• Support continuous improvement activity by identifying practical opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency and production flow.
• Assist with training and coaching operators where required.
• Work flexibly across the manufacturing area to support production requirements and changing priorities.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI‑assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

Experience

• Experience operating hydraulic presses within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience supporting or carrying out press setups, tool changes or process changeovers.
• Understanding of mechanical and thermal press setup requirements, including pressure, temperature, dwell times and process parameters.
• Knowledge of hydraulic presses, steam rigs or heated platen systems.
• Able to follow Manufacturing Instructions, process specifications and engineering documentation accurately.
• Strong understanding of Health and Safety requirements, with the ability to work safely and follow defined procedures.
• Good attention to detail, with a clear commitment to product quality, traceability and right first time production.
• Able to work independently when required, while also supporting the wider production team.
• Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.
• Experience within composites, aerospace, automotive or Defence manufacturing.
• PUWER training or equivalent awareness.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

Health, Safety & Quality

Compliance with company Health & Safety policies, PUWER regulations, quality procedures and manufacturing standards is mandatory. Employees are expected to work safely at all times, report hazards promptly and contribute to maintaining a safe, clean and efficient working environment.

What do we do at NP Aerospace?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high‑performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat‑proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next‑generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy:

NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Please note:

If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.