Senior Composites Technician

Lockheed Martin; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BUPA

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, is seeking a Senior Composites Technician to lead and execute precision assemblies and integration tasks in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

You will work with design and manufacturing engineers, translating concepts into production-ready components across metals and composites, while mentoring junior staff and ensuring traceability throughout the life-cycle.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in high precision assembly or advanced manufacturing (aerospace/defence).
• Advanced interpretation of ISO/ANSI drawings.
• Use of precision measurement tools.
• Familiar with composite layup, vacuum bagging, autoclave curing cycles.
• Setup and maintain tooling, jigs, fixtures.
• Proficient with high-end hand and light power tools.
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis knowledge.
• Experience defining and maintaining product quality and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Lead Technical Execution - deliver precision assemblies and sub-assemblies from drawings and specs.
• Process Optimisation & Innovation - drive Lean, Six Sigma improvements for yield and quality.
• Multi-Material Fabrication Mastery - fabricate for metals, composites, and hybrids.
• Root-Cause Analysis & Design Support - document findings and advise corrective actions with engineering.
• Documentation & Traceability - maintain robust build records and reports.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer - coach junior technicians.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - liaise between design, QA, production, and supply chain.
• Security clearance readiness to the SC level.

Skills

Technical leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship

Traceability

Documentation

Tools

Precision measurement tools

Custom tooling

Jigs and fixtures

Job description

Senior Composites Technician

Ampthill, Bedfordshire, UK

£35,000 - £45,000 p/a + BUPA, benefits, bonus

37.5 hours per week + 4-day work week option

Are you interested in joining our team as a Senior Composite, Assembly & Integration Technician?

This exciting opportunity is based on our Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Ampthill, Bedfordshire and benefits from a 4-Day Working Week (Mon - Thu).

You will be a Technical Lead for building, integrating, and validating highly complex assemblies within a fast-paced engineering and R&D environment.

Working directly with design and manufacturing engineers, you will translate early-concept drawings and evolving work instructions into production-ready, high-precision products that meet or exceed all aerospace/defence performance criteria.

You will operate across a diverse material portfolio—including metals, high-performance composites, and advanced adhesives—ensuring that every assembly satisfies strict requirements, quality references, and functional test requirements.

Your work will bridge the gap between concept and production, providing critical feedback that shapes design refinement, tooling, and manufacturing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Technical Execution - Interpret complex engineering drawings and instructions, specifications, and service data to deliver precision assemblies and sub-assemblies.
• Process Optimisation & Innovation - Own continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and 6-S principles to enhance yield, cycle time, and product quality.
• Multi-Material Fabrication Mastery - Engineer and execute fastening, bonding, composite laminate, and light-fabrication processes for metals, composites, and hybrid structures.
• Root-Cause Analysis & Design Support - Identify build or design issues, document findings, and collaborate with engineering teams to implement effective corrective actions.
• Documentation & Traceability - Maintain robust build records, quality logs, and technical reports to support full traceability through the product life-cycle.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer - Coach and supervise junior assembly staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and competence growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Act as the primary technical liaison between design, quality, manufacturing, and supply-chain stakeholders.
• The successful candidate must be able to achieve the appropriate level (SC) of security clearance.
• Required skills, qualifications and experience

Experience

• 4 + years in high precision assembly or advanced manufacturing (aerospace, defence, medical, or cutting-edge R&D).
• Technical Proficiency Advanced interpretation of ISO/ANSI and proprietary engineering drawings.
• Use of precision measurement tools Familiarity with high-performance composite layup, vacuum bagging, and autoclave curing cycles.
• Ability to setup and maintain custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Proficient with high end hand and light power tools.
• Process & Quality In depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in defining and maintaining product quality standards and traceability systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proven collaboration skills with cross functional teams.
• Leadership ability to mentor and develop junior technicians.
• Core Competencies Precision Focus - High attention to detail with disciplined, repeatable processes.
• Technical Leadership - Ability to guide complex assemblies and provide design-process feedback.
• Strategic Thinking - Proactive identification of process risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Communication & Teamwork - Clear articulation of technical challenges and solutions to engineering, QA, and production.
• Continuous Learning - Willingness to master new manufacturing techniques, tools, and material systems.

Experience

• 4 + years in high precision assembly or advanced manufacturing (aerospace, defence, medical, or cutting-edge R&D).
• Technical Proficiency
• Advanced interpretation of ISO/ANSI and proprietary engineering drawings.
• Use of precision measurement tools
• Familiarity with high-performance composite layup, vacuum bagging, and autoclave curing cycles.
• Ability to setup and maintain custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Proficient with high end hand and light power tools.
• Process & Quality
• In depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in defining and maintaining product quality standards and traceability systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proven collaboration skills with cross functional teams.
• Leadership ability to mentor and develop junior technicians.

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus