Manufacturing / Production Operator – Chemical Milling

About the role

We are seeking a Manufacturing / Production Operator to join a global aerospace manufacturing business at its Welwyn Garden City facility. The role focuses on chemical milling – etching precise sections of metal parts used in aircraft production – and offers competitive pay with overtime opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Read work orders, blueprints and process specifications to determine etch locations and dimensions.
• Prepare parts by cleaning surfaces and applying maskant using templates and hand tools.
• Immerse parts in etching solutions for specified times, manually or with a hoist.
• Rinse, strip maskant and measure finished parts with micrometers and other precision instruments.
• Perform additional surface treatments such as pickling, chromodizing, passivating, degreasing and stripping.
• Drill and trim parts where required and report any deviations from specifications.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and adhere to health & safety regulations.
• Cross‑train and assist in other production areas as needed.

Required profile

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and work orders.
• Commitment to strict quality and safety standards.
• Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment, including a face‑fit mask.
• Flexibility to work a range of shifts, including days or 2 pm‑10 pm.

Required skills

• Operation of immersion equipment and hoist.
• Application and removal of maskant.
• Use of hand tools for drilling and trimming.
• Precision measurement with micrometers, scales and other instruments.
• Experience with etching, pickling, chromodizing, passivating, degreasing and stripping processes.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate with overtime.
• Opportunities for shift selection.
• Training and cross‑training across production areas.