Trainee Machine Operator

Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state‑owned company with a 300‑year heritage in naval shipbuilding. Established in 2022, Navantia UK has acquired Harland & Wolff and its historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil and Arnish, positioning the company to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities.

As a Machine Operator (Trainee), your role will entail setting up, operating or attending machines to roll steel forming bends, rolls, cones, or plate; cutting, profiling and scarfing tubular and plate. You will monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and ensure products conform to required dimensional specifications.

Projects will cover a range of steel structures across the marine, renewables and oil & gas sectors and the role will require flexibility between new‑build structural steel fabrication or ship repair projects.

• Interpret engineering drawings to determine the materials required and to plan the order of tasks.
• Read rolling orders, mill schedules & cutting lists to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
• Adjust and correct machine set‑ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
• Start operation of rolling and milling machines to roll and form steel plates.
• Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
• Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
• Examine, inspect, and measure materials and finished products to verify conformance to the required specification.
• Set up and operate various heavy‑duty metalworking machines such as hydraulic presses, rolls and shears.
• Follow established rules and procedures.
• Carry out mandatory safety checks on the machinery.

• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards improving the workplace culture, stop and report any activity that might cause injury or damage, ensuring that everyone works safely at all times.
• Follow and adhere to any control measures required under the Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure good housekeeping of work areas at all times.
• Support the company in maintaining and improving our ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 standards through adherence to the Navantia UK Management Systems; this is the responsibility of all Navantia UK employees when conducting all processes and activities.

• Experienced steelworker or fabricator in a shipyard or similar field where structural fabrication was undertaken.
• Basic knowledge of welding processes.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience of steel, burning, welding, forming, bending and fabricating processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently according to valid instructions, rules, and other standards.
• Flexible cooperation with other team members.
• Physical coordination and dexterity.

• Ability to establish an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.
• Effectiveness in identifying possible problems for further reporting/investigation.
• Ability to express ideas or facts in a clear manner.
• Must be capable of working as part of a team.

BPSS clearance will be required.

• Competitive hourly rate
• Company pension
• Health care cash plan (optional)
• 33 days holiday
• Life assurance
• Great opportunity to kick start your career

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.