Propulsion Technician

AALTO HAPS; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company located in Farnborough seeks a Propulsion Technician to assemble and test the Zephyr aircraft. This role requires strong technical skills in avionics and a commitment to safety. Successful candidates will have completed an NVQ Level 3 in Avionics Engineering and will be able to read engineering drawings. AALTO offers a competitive pension plan and a bonus scheme, ensuring professional growth and financial stability.

Benefits

Competitive pension plan

Fantastic bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Strong ability to read engineering drawings and follow processes.
• Knowledge of test equipment such as power supply units, multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Quality-conscious working method with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, test, and support the Zephyr aircraft.
• Perform equipment installation and component integration for propulsion systems.
• Provide training and mentorship to new team members.

Skills

Ability to read engineering drawings

Proactive technical problem-solving

Clear communication skills

Hands-on production of avionic hardware

Education

Completed NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Avionics Engineering

Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship

Tools

Test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes)

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Propulsion Technician

Location: Farnborough

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar‑powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistent flight capability allows continuous operation for months at a time, with a current flight‑time record of over 67 days. From above 60,000 ft (≈20 km), AALTO delivers direct‑to‑device connectivity, high‑resolution Earth observation, and other services to commercial and government partners.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer – Stratospace – bridging most air traffic and low‑Earth orbit. Our high‑altitude platforms help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters, and connect unconnected communities.

Join us to create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll work with a highly skilled, innovative, passionate team – Team AALTO – and help unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose

As part of the manufacturing team, you will assemble, test, and support the Zephyr aircraft to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery of aircrafts and meet HAPS Global business requirements.

Responsibilities

• Avionic and mechanical equipment installation, wiring and component integration of propulsion systems.
• Manufacture in‑house avionic components as required.
• Maintain build records.
• Adhere to and report on health‑and‑safety processes.
• Contribute to problem‑solving and corrective action delivery.
• Use measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to carry out dimensional verification to specification.
• Identify waste in assembly processes and implement activities to improve efficiency.
• Support shop safety initiatives and manage timely implementation of countermeasures.
• Safe handling and protection of very fragile and flexible components.
• Mitigate immediate risks, including ‘stop work’, and elevate emerging issues and shortfalls in a timely manner.
• Provide training, guidance and mentorship to new and existing team members.
• Carry out daily housekeeping tasks to ensure health, safety and operational requirements.

Requirements

• Strong ability to read engineering drawings and follow processes.
• Conduct and record installation and system integration tests.
• Read and understand test procedures.
• Knowledge of test equipment such as power supply units, multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Ability to solder to a good quality standard.
• Working in ESD‑sensitive environments.
• Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes applicable.
• Dimensional verification to specification.
• Proactive technical problem‑solving experience.
• Hands‑on production of avionic hardware and wiring installations.
• Quality‑conscious working method and organised approach to tasks.
• Works well under pressure, meets strict production targets.
• Clear and effective communication skills (written and oral).
• Knowledge of aviation environment processes (Human Factors, FOD, Tool Control, Health & Safety & COSHH).
• Understanding of 6S.
• Attention to detail.
• Proficient in computer skills, Microsoft Office suite.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship.
• Completed NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Avionics Engineering or other relevant discipline.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in Aerospace, Space or other highly regulated sector.
• Understanding of manufacturing Pulse Lines.
• EWIS (Electrical Wiring and Interconnection Systems) Training.
• Understanding of Lean / 6 Sigma.

About AALTO

At AALTO, we take pride in building an exceptional work environment that values your well‑being and rewards your dedication. We offer a fantastic bonus scheme and a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that encourages your professional growth while caring for your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.