Composites Technician – Harwell, Oxfordshire

About the role

We are seeking a Composites Technician to join a leading aerospace client on a permanent basis at Harwell, Oxfordshire. You will be responsible for manufacturing fibre‑based components and supporting day‑to‑day Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Test (MAIT) activities.

Key responsibilities

• Produce carbon, glass and aramid fibre components using lay‑up, resin impregnation, VARTM or autoclave curing methods.
• Perform finishing operations and fabricate simple tooling or moulds from epoxy or foam materials.
• Assist in the assembly of R&D and flight hardware, including writing Manufacturing Assembly Procedures (MAPs) and test procedures.
• Support facility management, customer/internal reviews and visits to subcontractors or suppliers.
• Identify and propose process improvements and, when approved, help implement them.
• Work flexibly to meet project schedules, including occasional long days or weekends.

Required profile

• Strong engineering background with extensive experience assembling precision components.
• Demonstrable practical experience in composites manufacturing and MAIT processes.
• Proficient in interpreting detailed drawings, surface finishes, tolerances and material specifications.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Residency in the UK for at least five years (security clearance requirement).

Required skills

• Composites manufacturing (carbon, glass, aramid fibres)
• Fibre lay‑up, resin impregnation, VARTM, autoclave curing
• Epoxy and foam tooling fabrication
• Assembly procedures and MAP development
• Functional testing (electrical bonding, vibration, shock, TVAC, kinematic testing)
• Microsoft Office suite

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a reputable aerospace client
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge space hardware
• Professional development within a skilled engineering team