Production Operator - Permanent

globalhr; Kilkeel; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days Annual Leave

Private Medical Insurance

Generous Pension Scheme

Early finish on Fridays

Free onsite parking

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Wellness programs

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, seeks production operatives in Kilkeel for manual assembly, leather work, painting, and machine operation. You’ll follow build plans, SOPs, and supervisor guidance while upholding strict quality standards within a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

The role offers varied shifts (39–46 hours) with specific patterns and a focus on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement. Aerospace experience is desirable; training is provided and benefits accompany the

Qualifications

• Competent literacy, numeracy, and IT skills to understand technical documentation.
• Able to meet targets and deadlines.
• Demonstrate working experience of manual dexterity and spatial awareness.
• Good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements, including correct use of PPE, machinery, tooling, chemicals/materials, and manual-handling practices.
• Be flexible with regards to working hours, environment, overtime and travel.
• Experience in manufacturing, production or warehouse environments is desirable.
• Ability to follow work instructions, SOPs, drawings, and approved processes.
• Strong attention to detail with focus on quality and right-first-time delivery.
• Identify and escalate defects, deviations, safety concerns and non-conformances.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a range of production activities across the manufacturing facility, including manual assembly of seat components, stores activities, leather work, machine operation, and the preparation and painting of finished parts.
• Complete production activities in line with build plans, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and supervisor direction.
• Adhere to Collins Aerospace quality standards and procedures, completing all required checks to ensure products meet defined quality and conformity requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment, following all health, safety, FOD, and housekeeping requirements.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by contributing to 5S, problem-solving, waste reduction, and process improvement activities.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to support quality, safety, productivity, and delivery targets.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Numeracy

IT skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Tools

PPE usage

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down

Position Role Type: Onsite

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

What You Will Do

• Undertake a range of production activities across the manufacturing facility, including manual assembly of seat components, stores activities, leather work, machine operation, and the preparation and painting of finished parts.
• Complete production activities in line with build plans, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and supervisor direction.
• Adhere to Collins Aerospace quality standards and procedures, completing all required checks to ensure products meet defined quality and conformity requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment, following all health, safety, FOD, and housekeeping requirements.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by contributing to 5S, problem-solving, waste reduction, and process improvement activities.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to support quality, safety, productivity, and delivery targets.

This role is based on a 39-hour working week / 46-hour working week depending on shift pattern and requires flexibility to work across a range of shift patterns to meet business needs.

Shift patterns include:

• Morning Shift: Monday–Thursday, 06:00–14:30; Friday, 06:00–13:00. (39 hour working week)
• Day Shift: Monday–Thursday, 08:00–17:00; Friday, 08:00–13:00. (39 hour working week)
• Evening Shift: Monday–Thursday, 14:30–00:45; Friday off (20% shift premium applies to this shift) (39 hour working week)
• Nightshift Monday – Thursday 20:00 – 08:00; Friday off (33.3% premium applies to this shift) (46 hour working week)

Essential Criteria

• Competent literacy, numeracy, and IT skills to understand technical documentation and accurately record manufacturing information.
• Have the ability to meet targets and deadlines.
• Demonstrate working experience of manual dexterity and spatial awareness.
• Good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements, including correct use of PPE, machinery, tooling, chemicals/materials, and manual-handling practices.
• Be flexible with regards to working hours, environment, overtime and travel.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production or warehouse environment; aerospace experience desirable.
• Ability to accurately follow work instructions, SOPs, engineering drawings, and approved processes.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, product conformity, and right-first-time delivery.
• Ability to identify and promptly elevate defects, deviations, safety concerns, and non-conformances.
• Good manual dexterity with the ability to safely use hand tools, production equipment, fixtures, and machinery.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a commitment to FOD prevention, 5S, and continuous improvement.

We are committed to providing an industry-leading benefits package. Our offerings include:

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays
• Ability to buy & sell annual leave
• Attractive Compensation Package
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Flexible benefits tailored to you
• Discounted gym membership
• Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Professional Development & Growth
• Support with professional fees
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan)
• Staff Discounts
• Work/Life Balance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Free onsite parking
• Opportunities for progression and development

Please note, we anticipate assessments for this role will take place on the 15th & 21st October 2026 initially.

At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team?

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

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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.