About the role
Are you interested in joining our team as a Senior Composite, Assembly & Integration Technician?
This exciting opportunity is based from our Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Ampthill, Bedfordshire and benefits from a 4 Day Working Week (Mon – Thu).
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. More details can be found here
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 lay up, 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.
- Soft Skill
- 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.