Fabricator / Fitter technician
// Role Summary
Join Airbus Helicopters UK as a Sheet Metal Fabricator/Fitter, playing a crucial role in delivering high-quality helicopter solutions. You'll manufacture, inspect, and repair complex sheet metal and composite components to aviation standards.
// Key Responsibilities
- Manufacture and fit bespoke sheet metal parts for helicopter prototypes and series production.
- Inspect subcontractor-manufactured parts and perform structural repairs.
- Work closely with the design team on innovative prototype development.
- Maintain stringent aviation standards for safety and airworthiness.
- Adhere to a regulated environment and uphold high housekeeping standards.
- Requires DBS Security Clearance and eligibility for SC clearance.
// Role Specification
About Airbus Helicopters UK
Airbus Helicopters is the world's largest helicopter manufacturer, with its Oxford Airport site serving as Britain's civil helicopter hub. We offer extensive experience in helicopter sales, custom completions, maintenance, and spares support. Our in-house engineering capabilities cover design, customisation, installation, flight-testing, and certification, alongside technical support, maintenance, training, and spares for civil and military applications. Airbus Helicopters UK is the MoD's chosen provider of helicopters and maintenance for its No.1 Helicopter Flying School (MFTS) at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley.
Overall Purpose of the Job
As a Sheet Metal Fabricator/Fitter, you will contribute to the delivery of bespoke, high-quality helicopter solutions. This involves complex prototype development, retrofitting, and series production. You will be responsible for developing and manufacturing detailed sheet metal parts to aviation standards, assembling components, and collaborating with the design team on prototype work. Your role will also include detailed inspection of subcontractor parts, performing repairs on in-service helicopters using sheet metal and composite techniques, and ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within the customisation and MRO departments.
Main Responsibilities
- Accomplish work as directed by the Installation Supervisor or Certifying Engineer.
- Manufacture detailed parts from sheet metal to design specifications.
- Inspect parts manufactured by subcontractors.
- Assemble parts manufactured by subcontractors.
- Apply protective coatings.
- Work collaboratively with the design team.
- Ensure all manufactured parts comply with design data for safe aircraft operation.
- Work effectively as part of a team or individually, depending on work packages.
- Assist in the day-to-day running of the hangar, including aircraft handling.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping in line with the Airbus “Clean As You Go” initiative.
- Operate within a highly regulated environment.
- Carry out repairs to helicopter structures and components.
- Demonstrate a flexible working attitude to manage changing departmental priorities.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative to high standards.
- Ability to read and understand detailed engineering drawings and associated data.
- Good manual hand skills and an interest in DIY.
- Capability to work in confined spaces.
- Good communication skills.
- Reliability and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Well-organised and methodical with high attention to detail.
- Adherence to Health & Safety requirements, including wearing appropriate PPE.
- Proficiency in Google Office and MS products.
Desirable
- Knowledge of sheet metal manufacturing techniques to close tolerances.
- Familiarity with aviation fasteners, rivets, mechanical fasteners, and adhesive bonding.
- Ability to use SAP / Envision.
Education, Qualifications or Training
Essential
- Minimum Level 2 qualification in Fabrication.
- Ability to present examples of work done via photographic record.
- Previous experience in a similar role (Sheet Metal Working, Metal Fabrication, Mechanical Fitter, or Automotive Repair).
- Clean Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Aviation experience.
- Sheet Metal experience.
- Composites experience.
Additional Requirements
- DBS Security Clearance and eligibility for SC clearance are required.
- Applicants must meet all Export Compliance Regulations requirements.
- Candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom; Airbus cannot offer visa sponsorship.
- Shift working may be required as part of the normal working pattern (shift allowance payable).
- Occasional travel to subcontractors or other Airbus facilities, including overseas, may be necessary.
The Reward
Join the Airbus family and play a critical part in delivering the most efficient helicopters for customers who serve, protect, save lives, and carry passengers in demanding environments. On top of a competitive base salary, you will have access to a range of benefits including Private Medical Insurance, a contributory pension scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Success Share bonus scheme, Bikes to Work scheme, and various other employee purchase schemes for technology, cars, and health/personal care services.