Manufacturing Operator

GKN; Luton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Luton is seeking Manufacturing Operators to join their Ice Protection Systems department. You'll be trained in a variety of manufacturing processes, working in a team to deliver excellence. Essential qualities include attention to detail and the ability to work with hand tools. This role offers a competitive salary and several benefits, alongside opportunities for professional growth. The training follows a 12-hour continental day shift pattern post-training, including weekend work.

Benefits

Starting salary of £27,776 per annum

Shift allowances

Industry Leading Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

185 hours holiday plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Local gym discounts

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in aircraft or general manufacturing is desirable.
• Background in inspecting components is a plus.
• Experience in automation or cleanroom environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Reading diagrams and following route cards.
• Cutting and masking metal spraying automation quality control.
• Comply with Health and Safety directives.
• Support continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality Awareness

Ability to work with hand tools

Teamwork

Communication skills

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.35 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Its great to know youre making a difference to the future of aviation! Whatever part you play youll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers. Based at our Luton manufacturing plant youll do just that. Established in 1993 GKN Aerospace in Luton is a world leader in commercial and military ice protection systems and transparencies. Offering a full range of capabilities; design analysis testing certification and manufacture of electro-thermal ice protection military fast jet canopies and flight deck windows to over 20 programmes including : Boeing 787 Dreamliner Airbus A320 AgustaWestland AW101 Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Our customers include Boeing Airbus Lockheed Martin Bell Helicopters Textron BAE Systems Pratt & Whitney Leonardo. Our Luton site is home to 370 employees and onsite facilities including onsite parking food hub and vending machines.

Continued growth in our programmes has created a number of new exciting opportunities for Manufacturing Operators to join us to work at our Luton manufacturing facility in our Ice Protection Systems department.

There will be full training in all areas of the role.

Youll report into one of our Team Leaders who will provide you with development and training across a wide range of manufacturing processes within our production area. Youll follow fixed actions and drawings as you play a key part in our product delivery utilising the following skills :

• Reading diagrams following route cards

Following quality processes; stamp your work when complete

• cutting and masking metal spraying automation quality control
• Comply with Health and Safety directives
• Support continuous improvement activities

The initial training period follows a rotating double day shift pattern alternating weekly between :

• Shift A : Monday to Thursday 6 : 00 AM 2 : 00 PM; Friday 6 : 00 AM 11 : 00 AM
• Shift B : Monday to Thursday 2 : 00 PM 10 : 00 PM; Friday 11 : 00 AM 4 : 00 PM

Post-Training Schedule

Upon successful completion of the training period the role transitions to a 12-hour continental day shift pattern (6 : 00 AM 6 : 00 PM) which includes weekend work.

What You’ll Bring

To help us make a difference youll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with any of the following skills experience and attributes :

Essential :

• Thorough and able to pay attention to detail
• Quality Awareness
• The ability to work with hand tools
• Commitment to Quality
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Great communication skills

Desirable :

• Aircraft or general manufacturing experience
• Inspection of components background
• Experience in Automation paint spraying or clean room environments

Note : Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As part of the application process you will be asked to declare when applying for this role.

What Well Offer

Once youre on board youll get the following perks and benefits :

• Starting basic salary of 27776.00 per annum
• Additional shift allowance of 20% for double day shift
• Additional shift allowance of 33.3% for 12 hour continental day shift pattern
• Working week average of 42 hours with built in pay enhancement
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 185 hours holiday bank holidays
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• Free onsite parking
• Local gym discount
• 50% off local travel card
• Free airport Dart
• Free airport parking
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting
• Enhanced family friendly leave

A collaborative dynamic working environment

As well as a competitive package well offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! Well support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. Thats the beauty of being part of a global business once youre on board you never know where you career journey may take you!

Key Skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Continuous Improvement
• ISO 9001
• Lean Six Sigma
• Management Experience
• Manufacturing & Controls
• 5S
• Manufacturing Management
• Kaizen
• Chemistry
• Manufacturing

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Closing date : 16.10.25 - Please note we may close applications earlier to avoid disappointment we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

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