Test Support Technician

Airbus; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Bristol seeks a Test Support Technician / Engineer to manage structural testing projects. Responsibilities include project management of tests, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have relevant engineering qualifications and hands-on experience with workshop equipment, load systems, and materials. This role offers flexible working hours, generous holidays, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

25 days holidays

Pension scheme

Discretionary bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of ONC / HNC or demonstrate practical proficiency.
• Practical knowledge of workshop equipment operation.
• Able to interpret technical drawings and solve problems.
• Understanding of structural loading system components.
• Experience working with various materials including composites.
• Autonomous, creative with a sound aerospace understanding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience supporting business needs through multi-tasking.
• Independent and structured way of working.
• Part 66 maintenance experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver structural tests in adherence to testing processes.
• Coordinate internal and external contributors.
• Anticipate and manage risks and opportunities.
• Report regularly to colleagues and teams.
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
• Support development of training methodology and material.

Skills

Workshop equipment operation

Technical drawing interpretation

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of structural loading systems

Experience with materials (aluminium, steel, titanium)

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

ONC/HNC or equivalent

Tools

Lathe

Miller

Pillar drill

Job description

Job Title

Test Support Technician / Engineer

Location

Filton, Bristol

Contract

Full time, permanent. 37.5 hours per week

Responsibilities

• Project manage & deliver structural tests from level 6 to level 2 of the Test Pyramid and other business critical projects; define tests in adherence to the Structures Test Process and in respect of all suitable transnational processes, methods and tools.
• Integrate the 1ACMT transnational skills to deliver tests on time, cost and quality.
• Ensure communication and reporting to the test customer.
• In the frame of the test means engineering:
  • Concepts designed on time, cost & quality
  • Prepare a pre‑design (3D study) for specification release.
  • Provide detailed designs and data transfer for manufacturing.
  • Ensure a configuration management of drawings and 3D data.
  • Provide specimen interface drawings.
  • Ensure test means interfaces are compliant with specimen loading areas.
  • Support acceptance of test means after manufacturing.
  • Provide expertise during the assembly of the test means in the laboratory.
• Coordinate all internal and external contributors / stakeholders / suppliers.
• Launch subcontracting activities following policy, managing purchasing and goods receipt.
• Anticipate, identify and manage risks & opportunities.
• Ensure regular reporting to other colleagues and teams in the test centre.
• Participate in the Test Centre SQCDP and weekly team meetings.
• Integrate, develop and introduce new lean policies, methods and ways‑of‑working aligned with the transnational business requirements and strategy of IACMT.
• Provide feedback and/or sustain internal exchanges so that lessons learnt from previous programmes are transferred to the team.
• Support the development of training methodology and material.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of ONC / HNC or demonstrate practical proficiency from a recognised training / development programme such as City and Guilds, Engineering Industrial Training Board, a company apprenticeship etc.
• Practical knowledge and skills to operate workshop equipment (lathe, miller, pillar drill etc) and perform manual fitting tasks.
• The ability to work from technical drawings and problem solve.
• Knowledge of basic building blocks of a structural loading system including load cells, hydraulic actuators, fixation points etc. Understand the function, safe handling requirements, maintenance and assembly.
• Experience in the use of aluminium, steel, titanium alloys and composite materials.
• Autonomous, creative, lean. Possess a sound understanding and knowledge of the type of work within an Aerospace environment.
• Candidates must display a self‑motivated and proactive approach, excellent communication skills both written and verbal (in English) and have the ability to work as part of the team.
• Applicants will be expected to support the Business needs by use of multi‑skilling, multi‑tasking and work extended hours when required to support priority tests.
• Independent and structured way of working.
• Candidates possessing Part 66 maintenance experience with aircraft structural repairs (current licence not required) or equivalent armed forces time‑served experience in this field.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours (flexi‑time)
• 25 days holidays + bank holidays with the option to purchase up to an additional 1 week
• Pension scheme
• Discretionary bonus scheme

Application Details

End date for applicants: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interviews: From w/ c 19th January 2026

Start date: January 2026

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 dependant on experience

Legal & Compliance

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].