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Skilled Aircraft Structural Fitter
Location: Hamble, Southampton
Rate: 35.66/hour - Umbrella - Inside of IR35
Clearance Required: BPSS (Baseline)
About the Role:
We're looking for experienced Aircraft Structural Fitters to join our Military production team in a highly skilled operator role. You'll be working on the strip, repair, and assembly of aircraft structures, sub-assemblies, and components. This is a hands-on, production-focused role requiring solid experience in heavy structural build, ideally gained in aerospace environments like Bombardier, Leonardo, BAE, or similar.
This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in high-output teams, have experience working on jigs, and can deliver with minimal supervision in a complex, precision-critical environment.
Working Hours:
Early shift: Typically 7:00am-5:00pm, with flexibility for 6:00am-4:00pm
Approx. 50 hours/week
Scope for overtime, including Fridays and weekends (subject to supervisor availability), provided 11-hour rest periods are maintained
Key Responsibilities:
- Drilling, riveting, and assembling aircraft structures to exacting tolerances
- Applying solid riveting, percussion riveting, and skin repairs on metallic components
- Working with a variety of materials and fastener types, using hand and power tools
- Interpreting engineering drawings, technical documents, and manufacturing procedures
- Maintaining your own Approved Operator (AO) stamp(s) and signing off on completed work
- Supporting team goals and mentoring less experienced operators when required
- Adhering to high standards in EHS, quality, cost-efficiency, and housekeeping
What We're Looking For:
- Essential Skills & Experience:
- Recent experience in aircraft production environments (not maintenance)
- Solid background in drilling, riveting, and working on structural jigs
- Able to work from detailed technical drawings and work route cards
- Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset
- NVQ Level 3 in Engineering/Manufacturing or time-served apprenticeship
- Physically capable of manual tasks in a fast-paced shop floor environment
Desirable:
- Familiar with 5S, lean principles, and precision assembly standards
- Experience with composite and metallic structures
- Own a comprehensive set of tools - this is a strong indicator of experience. While site tools are available, candidates with only basic toolkits may not meet the role expectations.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK freely, obtain baseline clearance and adhere to ITAR restrictions.
