Master Assembler

Prattwhitney; Kilkeel; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days Annual Leave

Hybrid work options (role dependent)

Healthcare benefits

Generous pension

Job summary

RTX in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, is seeking a Master Assembler to lead a team, drive production efficiency, and ensure safety and quality in a busy seating manufacturing environment.

You will be responsible for coaching operators, executing build plans, and maintaining lean practices to meet takt times and customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months assembly/production/manufacturing experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous Improvement/Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Proven ability to train others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of operators to meet safety, output, quality, delivery and cost targets.
• Prepare, maintain and execute cost-effective build plans to support production build.
• Organise rotas and ensure staff deployment with training and development.
• Drive 5S and standard work audits; ensure effective communication across shifts.

Skills

Assembly experience

Lean Manufacturing

Team leadership

IT literacy

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-27 Country: United Kingdom Location: Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down Position Role Type: Onsite

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. At our Kilkeel Facility, we manufacture aircraft interior seating for a number of worldwide customers. As a leader in the aerospace industry, we have a number of exciting positions available right now, including a Master Assembler in our Seating business located in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate can expect to:

• Ensure a safe working environment is provided at all times.
• Create a culture of Continuous Improvement within the area/team.
• Manage the performance and quality of a team of operators to ensure they meet all Company objectives.
• Drive quality standards required by the Company and customer.
• Deliver 100% First Pass Yield for their process.
• Consistently meeting the takt time in their area.
• Act as a ‘hands on’ expert, providing guidance and practical assistance to those within the team.
• Cross-train the team to ensure maximum flexibility and cover.

Main Duties

Main Duties 1. Leading a team Lead, encourage and motivate a team of operators to ensure they understand and attain the necessary operational targets (e.g. Safety, Output, Quality, Delivery and Cost ) Manage operator performance on a daily basis, ensuring all operators within the area adhere to company policies/procedures and working instructions/standard work, at all times. Ensure all staff in the area are correctly trained and developed. Assist the Manufacturing Leader/Business Unit Manager in the assessment of performance, the design of training packages and the delivery of ‘on’ and ‘off’ line/section training interventions. Provide mentoring/coaching to those within the team on an on-going basis and give appropriate feedback. Lead Production Walk-About Reviews (WAR) on an ad hoc basis. Ensure good communication throughout all sections and between nightshift and dayshift operations. 2. Implementation of Master Production Plan Prepare, maintain & execute the most cost effective build plan to support the kitting schedule which supports production build. Organise rotas to ensure appropriate deployment of staff, ensuring OT is planned and all activities within the area (e.g. 5S’s, Training, Improvement teams) are efficiently organised. Make necessary adjustments to the assembly section/processes and resources in the event of incomplete/inaccurate information/parts. 3. Process Knowledge & Practical Skills Effectively operate (only if trained) all machines within the designated area/unit Proficient in the use of a range of IT packages (e.g. Excel, Microsoft packages). Perform basic mathematical calculations (e.g. calculate start/finish times for specific jobs, takt time etc). 4. Environmental, Health & Safety Possess a working knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety policies, ensuring these are adhered to at all times. Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to eliminate. For longer term actions ensure containment is in place. Participate fully in a number of H&S activities (e.g., Risk Assessments, Health & Safety meetings) and implement required actions. Engage in regular hazard/danger spotting and proactively work to eliminate hazards. Conduct ongoing inspection of tooling for worn / damaged parts. 5. Improvement Activity Lead the creation of a culture of Continuous Improvement within the team. Lead improvement teams (e.g., Kaizen and problem solving activities), when required and promote a lean manufacturing culture. Ensure process problems are thoroughly investigated and all improvements are identified, implemented and documented. Conduct daily 5S and standard work audits. 6. Information gathering/sharing Complete all specified documentation to ensure individuals receive the information they require in order to perform their job effectively. Deliver effective daily team briefs as required Attend and provide constructive input at meetings (e.g. daily production meeting, departmental meeting, quality meetings etc). Liaise with a variety of job holders, across a range of departments (e.g. Quality, Engineering, Planning, EHS etc) and different levels (shop floor through to senior management) for the purpose of giving/receiving information which is vital for the smooth running of the plant.

The Person

• Collaborates Building partnerships and working together with others for the greater good
• Communicates Effectively Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Customer Focus Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Develops Talent Taking an active role in the growth of yourself and others to meet both career and organizational goals
• Drives Results Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances and empowers others to do the same.
• Instills Trust Gaining the confidence of others through integrity, credibility, and authenticity
• Strategic Vision Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.

Essential Criteria

• Have a minimum of 12 months’ assembly / production / logistics / manufacturing experience gained in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
• Continuous Improvement/Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Proven ability to train others
• Computer Literate / IT skills, competent with a range of IT packages (e.g. Microsoft packages).

Desirable Criteria

• Previous relevant experience of leading a team in a work environment.
• Problem solving skills, e.g. 3Cs.

Benefits

People are core to what we do. As such, we are committed to providing an industry leading benefits package. We offer a highly competitive salary, annual bonus, and many other benefits to include:

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays
• Attractive Compensation Package
• Early finish Fridays
• Hybrid Work Options (*Role dependent)
• Professional Development + Growth
• Support with professional fees
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan)
• Staff Discounts
• Work/Life Balance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Free onsite parking
• Death in Service Benefit
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
• Opportunities for progression and development

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Privacy Policy and Terms: to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.