Skilled Fitter - Military

Matchtech; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A STEM Recruitment Specialist is seeking skilled Aircraft Structural Fitters in Hamble, Southampton for a 6-month contract. Ideal candidates will have experience in aircraft production, assembly, and a NVQ Level 3 qualification. Responsibilities include drilling, riveting, and assembling aircraft structures while adhering to precision standards. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and obtain baseline clearance.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in aircraft production environments.
• Solid background in drilling and riveting.
• Able to work from detailed technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Drilling, riveting, and assembling aircraft structures.
• Interpreting engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Maintaining Approved Operator stamp(s) and signing off on work.

Skills

Skilled Fitter

Assembly

Production

Drilling

Riveting

Attention to detail

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Engineering/Manufacturing

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

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We're seeking 2 Skilled Fitters to join our Aerospace clients Military department.

6 month rolling contract, inside of IR35.

Key skills required for this role

Important

Skilled Fitter, Assembly, Production

Skilled Aircraft Structural Fitter

Location: Hamble, Southampton

Rate: £35.66/hour - Umbrella - Inside of IR35

Clearance Required: BPSS (Baseline)

About the Role:

We're looking for experienced Aircraft Structural Fitters to join our Military production team in a highly skilled operator role. You'll be working on the strip, repair, and assembly of aircraft structures, sub-assemblies, and components. This is a hands-on, production-focused role requiring solid experience in heavy structural build, ideally gained in aerospace environments like Bombardier, Leonardo, BAE, or similar.

This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in high-output teams, have experience working on jigs, and can deliver with minimal supervision in a complex, precision-critical environment.

Working Hours:

Early shift: Typically 7:00am-5:00pm, with flexibility for 6:00am-4:00pm

Approx. 50 hours/week

Scope for overtime, including Fridays and weekends (subject to supervisor availability), provided 11-hour rest periods are maintained

Key Responsibilities:

• Drilling, riveting, and assembling aircraft structures to exacting tolerances
• Applying solid riveting, percussion riveting, and skin repairs on metallic components
• Working with a variety of materials and fastener types, using hand and power tools
• Interpreting engineering drawings, technical documents, and manufacturing procedures
• Maintaining your own Approved Operator (AO) stamp(s) and signing off on completed work
• Supporting team goals and mentoring less experienced operators when required
• Adhering to high standards in EHS, quality, cost-efficiency, and housekeeping

What We're Looking For:

• Recent experience in aircraft production environments (not maintenance)
• Solid background in drilling, riveting, and working on structural jigs
• Able to work from detailed technical drawings and work route cards
• Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset
• NVQ Level 3 in Engineering/Manufacturing or time-served apprenticeship
• Physically capable of manual tasks in a fast-paced shop floor environment
• Familiar with 5S, lean principles, and precision assembly standards
• Experience with composite and metallic structures
• Own a comprehensive set of tools - this is a strong indicator of experience. While site tools are available, candidates with only basic toolkits may not meet the role expectations.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK freely, obtain baseline clearance and adhere to ITAR restrictions.

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manages this role

Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience