Skilled Fitter - Military (AEW&C Assembly Line)

📍 Location: Southampton
🕒 Shift: Late Shift

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

Umbrella:

• Early Shift: £35.66 per hour
• Late Shift: £38.21 per hour

PAYE:

• Early Shift: £25.94 per hour
• Late Shift: £27.79 per hour

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

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

• Experience working on complex metallic or composite structures

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

Reports to Section Flow Leader / Shop Floor Manager

• 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.