Process Technician

HQW Aerospace UK Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

25 days holiday

Professional Development

Subsidised Canteen

Engagement and Discounts platform

Free Parking

Job summary

HQW Aerospace UK Ltd in Plymouth is seeking a Process Technician to join our high‑precision CNC turning and milling cells. This hands‑on role suits engineers with an apprenticeship or strong shopfloor grounding and a passion for solving technical challenges at the machine.

You will support production, diagnose issues, help with tooling and process improvements, mentor apprentices, and contribute to safe, efficient operations in a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Essential: Technical apprenticeship or hands‑on engineering background.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and shopfloor experience.
• Experience with mill turning and 5 axis machining; Swiss style lathe experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support daily production processes in CNC turning & milling cells to ensure optimal machine performance and product quality.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues on the shopfloor using engineering fundamentals and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements.
• Assist in tooling selection, setup, and maintenance to ensure efficient operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and safety.

Skills

Technical apprenticeship

Shopfloor experience

Problem solving

Mill turning

5 axis machining

Swiss lathe experience

Job description

Job Title: Process Technician Location : Plymouth (PL6 7LH), onsite role Job Type: Full time, Permanent HQW Aerospace is a world-renowned manufacturer of super precision bearings, pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision engineering for over 75 years. We're committed to nurturing talent. Situated in the vibrant city of Plymouth, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, we offer not only a stimulating work environment but also a lifestyle that blends work with leisure seamlessly. With stunning beaches, vibrant culinary scenes, and a plethora of social and sporting activities, Plymouth and its surroundings provide an exceptional backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Please Note: HQW Aerospace currently does not hold a sponsorship license. Therefore, all candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Due to the nature of our business, security clearance may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days of paid holiday, plus bank holidays
• Professional Development
• Subsidised Canteen
• Engagement and Rewards platform, with access to discounts at over 100 retailers
• Free Parking

Job Purpose

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Process Technician to join our dynamic shopfloor team in the multi axis high precision CNC Turning & Milling. This hands‑on role is ideal for individuals with an engineering mindset and a passion for solving technical challenges at the machine level. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in engineering, whether through apprenticeship, formal education, or in-depth shopfloor experience. This position offers exciting opportunities for career progression and technical development within a high‑precision manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily production processes in our agile CNC Turning & Milling cells to ensure optimal machine performance and product quality
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues on the shopfloor using engineering fundamentals and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements
• Assist in tooling selection, setup, and maintenance to ensure efficient operations
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and safety
• Contribute to the development and documentation of process control methods and standard work instructions
• Support the integration of apprentices and new technicians through mentoring and knowledge sharing

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential: Technical apprenticeship or hands‑on engineering background
• Strong mechanical aptitude and shopfloor experience (e.g., toolmaking, machine setup, etc.)
• Proven problem‑solving ability grounded in engineering principles
• Experience with or a strong interest in mill turning and 5 axis machining, preferably with Swiss style laith experience also
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, hands‑on production environment
• Desirable: Prior experience in complex milling or turning environments
• Engineering graduates with prior practical experience

Career Development Path

• Internal Development: Clear stage/level progression tied to skills assessments and performance
• Apprenticeship Support: Opportunities to mentor and coach junior technicians
• External Talent Development: Training pathways at machine manufacturers for machine type conversion as well as off line programming training

Join Our Team

Join us today and become a part of our mission to redefine the future of high‑precision aerospace engineering.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

At HQW Aerospace UK, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. We believe that embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation, creativity, and success in our future endeavours.