<div><h3>Mission description</h3><p>What does the role look like? This is a highly hands‑on R&D technician role supporting the development of next‑generation composite products and manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications. You’ll work closely with engineers in a collaborative R&D environment, manufacturing and testing advanced composite structures using cutting‑edge processes such as robotic winding, tri‑axial braiding and High‑Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The role combines practical manufacturing with structured testing, helping to turn innovative concepts into validated, high‑performance composite solutions.</p><h3>Day‑to‑day responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Manufacture and assemble advanced composite components using filament winding, braiding, RTM, mechanical fastening and structural adhesives;</li><li>Plan, set up, execute and report on engineering test programmes to support R&D activities;</li><li>Design, build and adapt bespoke test enclosures, fixtures and rigs to enable safe, repeatable testing;</li><li>Conduct mechanical, impact, pressure, leak and environmental testing on composite components;</li><li>Apply and validate strain gauges and carry out material characterisation (e.g. fibre volume fraction, void content, Tg);</li><li>Collaborate with engineers to develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions and best practices;</li><li>Operate, troubleshoot and maintain manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring compliance with safety, COSHH and 5S standards;</li><li>Proactively identify hazards and support a strong health, safety and housekeeping culture.</li></ul><h3>What you bring</h3><ul><li><b>Essential skills:</b> Strong hands‑on technical ability within a laboratory, test or manufacturing environment; Experience operating industrial or engineering equipment such as manufacturing systems or mechanical test rigs; A logical, methodical approach to problem‑solving with strong attention to detail.</li><li><b>Desirable skills:</b> Experience working with composite materials and processes (e.g. RTM, filament winding, braiding); Exposure to mechanical, pressure or environmental testing and test data reporting; Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and data analysis; A proactive mindset, comfortable working in a fast‑paced R&D environment with a strong willingness to learn.</li></ul></div>