MIG Welder/Fabricator – Defence Manufacturing (Aluminium Fabrication)

MIG Welder/Fabricator – Defence Manufacturing (Aluminium Fabrication)

Location: Stockport

Salary: £19.97 per hour

Permanent | World-Class Defence Engineering Environment

A long-established UK defence engineering manufacturer with over a century of innovation is expanding its Northwest Centre of Excellence. The organisation is recognised globally for delivering high-integrity military systems and long-term programmes for defence customers across land, maritime and aerospace sectors. As part of continued growth, we are seeking skilled MIG Welder/Fabricators capable of welding and fabricating complex aluminium assemblies within a modern, safety-driven production environment.

About the Role

You will carry out high-precision welding and fabrication activities to manufacture complex aluminium structures and assemblies for defence applications. Working from engineering drawings, welding procedures and work instructions, you will fabricate, assemble and weld components to strict quality and dimensional standards.

This role requires a combination of fabrication and welding expertise, producing low-volume, high-value products where quality, accuracy and traceability are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Health & Safety Compliance – Work safely at all times, following all SHE policies, regulations and 5S standards.
• Fabrication – Mark out, cut, form and assemble aluminium components in line with engineering drawings and specifications prior to welding.
• Welding Preparation – Plan welding activities, identify hazards and prepare materials, consumables and equipment.
• Aluminium MIG Welding – Carry out high-quality MIG welding of aluminium assemblies to required standards and specifications.
• Dimensional Accuracy – Ensure fabricated and welded assemblies meet drawing requirements and dimensional tolerances.
• Quality Inspection – Conduct visual inspections and support non-destructive testing activities where required.
• Material Preparation – Prepare surfaces, remove defects and complete finishing operations using manual and powered tools.
• Post-Weld Finishing – Dress welds, remove temporary fixtures and prepare assemblies for downstream operations.
• Crane & Lifting Operations – Carry out lifting and handling activities safely and in accordance with authorised procedures.
• Production Documentation – Complete manufacturing records, quality documentation and production bookings through SAP or MRP systems.
• Continuous Improvement – Support lean manufacturing, workplace organisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Qualification Testing – Complete and maintain welding qualifications and training requirements as required.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Welding, Fabrication or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 12 months' experience in welding and fabrication within manufacturing, aerospace, defence, rail, marine or similar regulated industries.
• Strong MIG welding experience on aluminium materials.
• Confident fabrication skills, including marking out, cutting, forming and assembly work.
• Ability to work accurately from engineering drawings, welding procedures and manufacturing documentation.
• Understanding of weld quality standards, distortion control and fabrication techniques.
• Experience using a variety of fabrication and workshop equipment.
• Knowledge of quality systems and manufacturing best practice.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and right-first-time manufacturing.
• Previous experience within defence, aerospace or other highly regulated industries would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 4% employee / 7% employer pension contribution
• Half-day Fridays
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay (increasing with service)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional holiday entitlement and long-service rewards
• Wellbeing initiatives, including health and engagement programmes
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Free on-site parking

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