Composite Technician (Aircraft Structures)

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose:

Working as part of a team to manufacture, assemble and test the Zephyr Aircraft structure, while providing support to other areas of the Manufacturing Facility to ensure the on time and in budget delivery of aircrafts to achieve HAPS Global business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• The manufacture and assembly of aircraft structure (both sub-assembly and primary assembly)

• Using measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to carry out dimensional verification to the specification

• Identify waste in assembly processes and implement activities to improve efficiency

• Support shop safety initiatives and manage timely implementation of countermeasures to resolve problems

• Post adhesive bonding quality check to meet quality assurance standards

• Mitigate immediate risks including ‘stop work’ as well as escalate emerging risks, issues and shortfalls in a timely manner

• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to new and existing team members to support workforce development and knowledge sharing

• Carry out daily housekeeping tasks to ensure health, safety, and operational requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive background in composite (structures) material is essential

• Strong understanding of ability to read engineering drawings and follow process instructions

• Well-developed hand skills and ability to trim, form and shape composite parts

• Knowledge of adhesive bonding techniques and processes for composite parts

• Dimensional verification to the specification

• Understanding and practical knowledge of working in ESD sensitive environments

• Works well under pressure, works hard to meet strict production targets

• Clear and effective communication skills (both written and oral)

• EWIS (Electrical Wiring and Interconnection Systems) Training

• Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing/ maintenance and processes applicable to the aviation environment (Human Factors, FOD, Tool Control, Health & Safety & COSHH)

• Understanding of 6S

• Proficient computer skills, and use of the Microsoft Office suite

Qualifications:

• Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship

• Completed an NVQ Level 03 Qualification in Avionics Engineering or other relevant discipline

Please note: Due to the nature of aircraft assembly, candidates must be comfortable with physically demanding work, including continuous standing and repetitive manual tasks, while maintaining high attention to detail

In addition to salary, we offer:

• Attractive, market‑aligned full time salary.

• Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.

• Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.

• Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.

• Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.

• Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.

• We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.

• Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, because you deserve a treat!

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