Trainee Composite Structural Technician

AALTO; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance Bonus

Generous Annual Leave

Private Healthcare

Pension Contributions

Income Protection & Life Assurance

Electric Vehicle & Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discounts

Job summary

AALTO, based in Farnborough, is a global leader in Stratospace and an Airbus subsidiary delivering Zephyr aircraft structures and services. We seek a Trainee Composite Structural Technician to learn manufacturing, assembly and testing of structural components, under supervision as you progress along the technician pathway.

You will receive structured coaching, hands-on training and competency assessments to build confidence and contribute to delivery priorities within the manufacturing team.

Qualifications

• Strong practical hand skills and transferable experience from a comparable engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and follow detailed process instructions.
• Careful, accurate approach and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work safely and effectively under pressure while meeting production targets.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to training in Human Factors, foreign object debris prevention, Tool Control, Health and Safety, and COSHH.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and assemble aircraft structural sub-assemblies and primary assemblies under supervision during training and as competence develops.
• Use measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to verify dimensions against specifications.
• Follow engineering drawings, process instructions, quality standards and approved working practices.
• Complete post-adhesive-bonding quality checks in line with quality assurance requirements.
• Identify waste in assembly processes and help deliver practical improvements to safety, quality and efficiency.
• Support shop safety initiatives and implement countermeasures promptly.
• Maintain tool control, prevent foreign object debris and keep the work area clean and organized.
• Collaborate across the Manufacturing Facility to support delivery priorities and build-plan requirements.
• Participate in structured training, coaching, competency assessments and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Hand skills

Drawings reading

Attention to detail

Production pressure

Team communication

Microsoft Office

Health & Safety

Job description

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 persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

About The Role

As a Trainee Composite Structural Technician within our manufacturing team, you’ll learn to manufacture, assemble and test aircraft structures, supporting safe, on-time and cost-effective aircraft delivery.

Through structured training, practical coaching and competency assessment, you’ll develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and evidenced competence needed to progress along the structural technician pathway. You’ll work under appropriate supervision as you learn, building confidence while contributing to the team’s delivery priorities.

Responsibilities To Include

• Manufacture and assemble aircraft structural sub-assemblies and primary assemblies under appropriate supervision during training and as your competence develops.
• Use measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to verify dimensions against specifications.
• Follow engineering drawings, process instructions, quality standards and approved working practices.
• Complete post-adhesive-bonding quality checks in line with quality assurance requirements.
• Identify waste in assembly processes and help deliver practical improvements to safety, quality and efficiency.
• Support shop safety initiatives and put agreed countermeasures into action promptly.
• Stop work if there is an immediate risk, and promptly escal
• Maintain effective tool control, prevent foreign object debris and keep your work area clean and organised each day.
• Collaborate across the Manufacturing Facility to support delivery priorities and build-plan requirements.
• Take an active part in structured training, coaching, competency assessments and knowledge sharing.

Skills And Knowledge Required

• Strong practical hand skills and transferable experience from a comparable engineering or manufacturing environment.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and follow detailed process instructions.
• A careful, accurate approach and strong attention to detail.
• The ability to work safely and effectively under pressure while meeting production targets.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• A commitment to training in Human Factors, foreign object debris prevention, Tool Control, Health and Safety, and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).

Benefits

In addition to a competitive, market-aligned salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and work-life balance:

Performance Bonus

Benefit from our short-term incentive plan, recognising and rewarding individual and company success.

Generous Annual Leave

Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, giving you the time to rest, recharge, and spend time on what matters most.

Private Healthcare

Access private medical insurance, alongside dental and optical cashback schemes, helping you and your family stay healthy.

Pension Contributions

Plan confidently for the future with our competitive personal pension scheme.

Income Protection & Life Assurance

Gain added peace of mind through income protection and life assurance cover, providing support when you need it most.

Electric Vehicle & Car Scheme

Access our salary sacrifice vehicle scheme, offering a cost-effective way to drive the latest cars.

Employee Assistance Programme

Receive confidential professional support whenever you need it through our dedicated employee assistance programme.

Employee Discounts

Enjoy a wide range of discounts and offers through Perkbox, covering everything from shopping and travel to leisure activities and everyday essentials.

This is all part of our commitment to creating an environment where our people can thrive both professionally and personally.

Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively 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.