Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Due to an exciting period of growth, we are now seeking a number of certified Aircraft Fitters to join the team in our Defence manufacturing facilities, right here on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Our Fitters are responsible for carrying out the required standard activities of their assigned tasks, in full compliance to the Work Instruction and/or Standard Operating Procedure, and without compromise to their own, and colleagues, safety.
Working as part of a close team, communication, flexibility and availability to work all shift patterns and overtime as required will also be essential in this role.
You will be expected to actively identify safety concerns, make problems immediately known to your TL, and raise improvement ideas to solve problems (Kaizen).
You will be part of a team that will collectively work on creating a 'Great Place To Work' through a culture of continuous improvement, safe working, and open dialogue.
You will be fully supported by your Team Leader (TL), who will enable your training and coaching.
Job Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities:
1. Main duties will involve working on a wide range of aircraft main and sub-assemblies from detail parts, whilst embracing appropriate assembly techniques, tools and fixtures, in accordance with the appropriate technical data and competencies.
2. With the ability to read and understand drawings, processes and procedures, you will be required to work within the company’s sub and final assembly production areas to meet the necessary regulatory quality standards and customer specifications. Assembly processes which utilise both Composite and Metallic structures will be part of the role.
3. Undertaking all of your tasks to the very highest levels, and in compliance with the standard work and your training, and make any problems; safety, quality, or other, immediately known to your TL
4. Exemplify a safety-first mindset and follow all GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards
5. Understand your team's People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost Key Performance Indicators and your contribution to them
6. Become certified at the Lean Foundation level and implement at least 1 Kaizen per month
7. Support the team and TL in problem solving, contributing ideas based upon own experience of your tasks
8. Be an active member of the team, promoting collective engagement with each other
9. Contributing to your team in creating a 'Great Place to Work' by role-modelling safety-first, a Kaizen mind-set, and supporting your colleagues
10. Hold yourself, and fellow team members, accountable to embody the GKNA culture principles
11. Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements:
The Company's Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies
Compliance and Ethics Policy on Contracting with the United States Government in all areas of responsibility involving direct and indirect contracting with the United States Government
Export Control regulations
Job Qualifications
Suitable candidates will:
12. Be experienced aircraft fitters, supported by evidence of 2-4 year, time-served apprenticeship and/or certification in relevant qualifications, with the ability to read and understand drawings, processes and procedures, you will be required to work within the company’s sub and final assembly production areas to meet the necessary regulatory quality standards and customer specifications. Assembly processes which utilise both Composite and Metallic structures will be part of the role.
13. Have a developed sense of pride in your work, with a strong focus on quality
14. Be friendly and collaborative, with a desire to work as part of a high performing team
15. Be an effective communicator
16. Be safety focused
17. Be eligible to work in the UK
PLEASE ALSO NOTE the position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually)
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.