Knitting Technician

Oxford Space Systems; Harwell; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Employee assistance programme

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company in Harwell is seeking a Knitting Technician/Operator to support the development and production of advanced deployable antenna systems. Candidates should have experience operating computerised flat knitting machines and designing knit patterns, along with industrial sewing knowledge. The role offers opportunities for career growth, a competitive salary, employee benefits, and a supportive work environment. Applicants should have an HND in textile design or equivalent, and be proactive and resourceful.

Qualifications

• Experience in programming and operating computerised flat knitting machines.
• Demonstrable knit pattern design capability is essential.
• Experience with technical textiles such as metal yarns would be advantageous.
• HND in textile design, knitting or equivalent qualification.
• Eligible for BPSS clearance.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate STOLL ADF flat knitting machine.
• Conduct knitting trials and production runs.
• Develop new 2D and 3D knit patterns.
• Support integration of knitted components into assemblies.
• Perform routine maintenance and maintain documentation to ensure quality.

Skills

Industrial knitting experience

Programming knowledge

Sewing and overlocking operations

Technical procedures

Solutions-focused approach

Education

HND in textile design or an equivalent qualification

Equivalent qualification

Tools

STOLL ADF flat knitting machine

Job description

Oxford Space Systems develops innovative deployable antennas for Space. Our aim is to be the global leader in this field, providing effective solutions today for the space-based services of the future. We are leveraging innovations from beyond the space sector to make our antennas smaller, lighter and cheaper than traditional designs.

This is an exciting time to join us as we scale up for the future, having already delivered multiple systems for operational satellites with in-orbit deployment success, and significant investment in our facilities with a state-of-the-art head office at Harwell and a bespoke manufacturing facility in Abingdon.

The Role

As we continue to grow at Oxford Space Systems due to increasing demand across our satellite programmes, we are looking to recruit a Knitting Technician / Operator to join our Technical Textiles team. This is a unique opportunity to support both the development of new knit-based space components and the production of flight hardware for our deployable antenna systems.

This role will be responsible for setting up, programming and operating our STOLL ADF flat knitting machine and associated equipment to manufacture precision metal mesh reflector surfaces and other technical textile structures. You will conduct knitting trials and production runs, develop new 2D and 3D knit patterns, carry out sewing and overlocking operations, and support the integration of knitted components into composite and metal assemblies. You will also be responsible for routine machine maintenance, documentation and ensuring product quality meets manufacturing requirements.

To be successful in this role you will have industrial knitting experience on computerised flat knitting machines, including programming knowledge and demonstrable knit pattern design capability. Experience with industrial sewing is essential, along with an HND in textile design, knitting or an equivalent qualification. You will have a practical, solutions-focused approach, the ability to follow technical procedures and meet project milestones, and be comfortable working both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Experience with STOLL ADF programming and technical textiles such as metal yarns would be advantageous.

Due to the nature of our projects, eligibility for Baseline Personnel Security Standards (BPSS) is required. If you do not already hold clearance, we will support your application.

If you have the relevant skills and experience, are proactive, resourceful and enthusiastic, and want to make a significant contribution to a growing and exciting company, then we want to hear from you. In return we offer a competitive salary, exciting career opportunities, benefits allowance, employee assistance programme, as well as 28 days basic holiday plus bank holidays and a contributory pension scheme.

To learn more about the role and to apply go to the link above.