Manufacturing Technician

Leonardo; Luton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Pension plan

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Learning credits

Referral program

Flexible benefits

Hybrid working

Job summary

Leonardo (Luton site) is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to join our aerospace and defence manufacturing team. You will perform precision assembly, inspection, and finishing on electro-mechanical and microelectronic products within a controlled environment, ensuring high-tolerance workmanship and adherence to quality standards.

You will read engineering drawings, use microscopes and hand tools for micro-scale assembly, and conduct self-inspections while supporting production targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, or engineering environment.
• Ability to assemble small, delicate components with high precision.
• Strong attention to detail and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Assemble complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products per drawings and instructions.
• Perform micro-scale assembly using hand tools, tweezers, microscopes and magnification systems.
• Carry out soldering and wiring to IPC and company standards.
• Conduct detailed visual inspections and self-checks against build instructions and quality standards.
• Support production targets, maintain safety and cleanliness, and collaborate with engineering and quality teams.

Skills

Fine motor skills

Hand tools

Microscopes

Reading drawings

Quality awareness

Attention to detail

Process compliance

Tools

Microscopes

Soldering

Pick-and-place machinery

Magnification systems

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a Manufacturing Technician to join our team at Leonardo's Luton site. This role is critical to the manufacture of advanced aerospace and defence products, requiring exceptional attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to quality.

As a Manufacturing Technician, you will perform highly precise assembly, inspection, and finishing operations on complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products. Working within a cleanroom and controlled manufacturing environment, you will assemble delicate, high-tolerance components where precision, consistency, and workmanship directly impact product performance and customer satisfaction.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while contributing to products that help protect people, assets, and national security.

What You Will Do

Assembly & Manufacturing

• Assemble complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, and process specifications.
• Perform micro-scale assembly using hand tools, tweezers, microscopes, magnification systems, and specialist equipment.
• Carry out soldering and wiring activities in accordance with IPC and company standards.
• Perform fine alignment, fitting, adjustment, and interconnection of components within tight manufacturing tolerances.
• Handle fragile and miniature components, including micro-electronics, fine wires, miniature fasteners, springs, and other high-precision parts.
• Operate production equipment and support manufacturing processes in line with company procedures.
• Complete both repeat production activities and low-volume, high-complexity assembly work.

Quality & Inspection

• Conduct detailed visual inspections using microscopes and magnification equipment.
• Perform self-inspection to verify compliance against build instructions, drawings, and quality standards.
• Identify defects, discrepancies, and non-conformances that may not be detected through automated inspection processes.
• Raise quality notifications and support root cause investigations where required.
• Accurately record manufacturing activities, quality checks, process data, and deviations.

Production Support

• Manage assembly activities throughout the production process to transform components into finished products.
• Work to defined production targets and cycle times while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to resolve technical and process-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement activities aimed at improving safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency.
• Carry out autonomous maintenance activities, including cleaning, inspections, and basic equipment care.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Work in accordance with Health & Safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), FOD (Foreign Object Debris), and Clean-as-You-Go disciplines.
• Operate effectively within cleanroom and temperature/humidity-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Ensure work areas, equipment, and materials are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation.

What You'll Bring

• Experience within a manufacturing, production, assembly, or engineering environment.
• Proven ability to assemble small, delicate, or high-precision components.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Ability to work accurately with miniature components and high-tolerance assemblies.
• Experience using hand tools and precision assembly equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify defects and quality issues.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and procedures.
• Experience working to production schedules and quality requirements.
• Ability to maintain focus and consistency while performing repetitive precision tasks.
• Good understanding of workplace safety and quality standards.

• Soldering experience to IPC standards.
• Current IPC certifications (J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610).
• Experience working within a cleanroom environment.
• Experience using microscopes and magnification systems for assembly and inspection.
• Knowledge of ESD and FOD control requirements.
• Experience operating pick-and-place machinery.
• Experience of hybrid microelectronic assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of device attachment and interconnection methods.
• Previous experience within aerospace, defence, military, medical device, jewellery, watchmaking, or other precision manufacturing industries.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

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Primary Location

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Onsite