Skilled Fitter - Military; AEW&C Assembly Line

Position: Skilled Fitter - Military (AEW&C Assembly Line)
Skilled Fitter (Military)

📍

Location:

Southampton

🕒 Shift: Late Shift

Monday - Thursday: 14:15 - 22:30
Friday: 12:00 - 18:00

Pay Rates

Umbrella:

Early

Shift: £35.66 per hour
Late

Shift: £38.21 per hourPAYE:

Early

Shift: £25.94 per hour
Late

Shift: £27.79 per hour

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Skilled Fitter (Skilled Operator) to join our Military division in Southampton. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a highly skilled team, supporting the strip, repair, and assembly of aircraft structures, components, and sub-assemblies.

You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality work to precise specifications, collaborating with specialists while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a safe working environment in line with EHS standards
Ensure accurate time booking and job costing
Maintain a clean and organised workspace (5S principles)
Adhere to quality standards, minimising defects and waste
Support cost reduction initiatives
Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement
Keep skills, training, and approvals up to date

Role-Specific Duties

Hold and maintain Approved Operator (AO) stamp(s)
Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and maintenance data
Work independently with minimal supervision
Accurately complete work route cards for traceability

Technical Responsibilities

Carry out precision hand fitting to close tolerances
Perform drilling, countersinking, reaming, and hole finishing
Apply assembly techniques (riveting, mechanical fasteners, bonding)
Conduct sealing and jointing of aircraft structures
Assemble aircraft pipework systems
Perform rigging, alignment, pressure, and functional testing

Requirements

Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Engineering/Manufacturing
or a time-served apprenticeship in a relevant trade

Skills & Experience

Ability to read and interpret technical documentation
Strong problem-solving and planning skills
Knowledge of lean/5S principles
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently
Proven experience working within a team environment

Physical Requirements

Ability to carry out manual handling tasks (with assistance where required)

Desirable

Experience working on complex metallic or composite structures

Security Clearance

This role requires BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance. Please note, failure to obtain this clearance may affect eligibility for the role.

Reporting Line

Reports to Section Flow Leader / Shop Floor Manager

Why Join Us?

Competitive hourly rates
Opportunity to work within a highly skilled aerospace environment

Career development and cross-training opportunities
Supportive team culture focused on quality and continuous improvement

If you're a skilled fitter with aerospace or engineering experience looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you