Composite Test & Development Technician

Position: Composite Test & Development Technician
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What do we offer?

Competitive salary
Company performance bonus scheme
Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
Private medical insurance
Comprehensive health cash plan
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
Structured training & opportunities to progress

What does the role look like?

This is a highly hands-on R&D technician role supporting the development of next-generation composite products and manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications. You'll work closely with engineers in a collaborative R&D environment, manufacturing and testing advanced composite structures using cutting-edge processes such as robotic winding, tri-axial braiding and High-Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM).

The role combines practical manufacturing with structured testing, helping to turn innovative concepts into validated, high-performance composite solutions.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

Manufacture and assemble advanced composite components using filament winding, braiding, RTM, mechanical fastening and structural adhesives
Plan, set up, execute and report on engineering test programmes to support R&D activities
Design, build and adapt bespoke test enclosures, fixtures and rigs to enable safe, repeatable testing
Conduct mechanical, impact, pressure, leak and environmental testing on composite components
Apply and validate strain gauges and carry out material characterisation (e.g. fibre volume fraction, void content, Tg)
Collaborate with engineers to develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions and best practices
Operate, troubleshoot and maintain manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring compliance with safety, COSHH and 5S standards
Proactively identify hazards and support a strong health, safety and housekeeping culture

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:

Strong hands-on technical ability within a laboratory, test or manufacturing environment
Experience operating industrial or engineering equipment, such as manufacturing systems or mechanical test rigs
A logical, methodical approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail

Desirable skills:

Experience working with composite materials and processes (e.g. RTM, filament winding, braiding)
Exposure to mechanical, pressure or environmental testing and test data reporting
Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and data analysis
A proactive mindset, comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with a strong willingness to learn