Chemical Etcher - 6-Month Contract | Leading Aerospace Manufacturer | Day Shift
📍 Location: Southampton, Hampshire
📅 Contract Length: 6 months
⏰ Shift: Day shift - 06:00-14:15 (Mon-Thu) / 06:00-12:00 (Fri)
💼 IR35 Status: Inside IR35
🚀 Start Date: ASAP
Join a Leader in Aerospace Manufacturing
A leading aerospace manufacturer with over 80 years of engineering heritage is offering an exciting opportunity to join their highly skilled production team in Southampton.
This world-class facility specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced composite and metallic structures, supplying major aircraft programmes for Airbus, Boeing and other global OEMs.
With a long-standing reputation for precision, innovation, and technical excellence, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a business that continues to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.
The Opportunity
We're currently seeking an experienced Chemical Etcher to join the Sheet Metal department on a 6-month contract.
This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role, central to the manufacturing process and focused on the chemical milling of aluminium components used in critical aerospace structures.
You'll be joining a collaborative and technically skilled team, where components move through various forming and machining stages - from stretch forming and detail fitting through to chemical etching and final machining. The precision of your work will directly contribute to the high-quality standards demanded by global aerospace customers.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out chemical etching on aluminium components to precise tolerances and aerospace standards.
Apply and remove rubber masking, ensuring correct cut-out patterns before etching.
Prepare, monitor, and maintain acid baths to control material removal.
Conduct inspections to verify component thickness, finish, and dimensional accuracy.
Work closely with Sheet Metal and Machining teams to maintain production flow.
Comply with all COSHH, HSE and internal quality procedures for chemical handling and process safety.
About You
Experience as a Chemical Etcher, Etch Operator or Chemical Milling Technician, ideally within aerospace, precision engineering or heavily-regulated manufacturing sector.
Skilled in aluminium processing and familiar with chemical milling techniques.
Knowledgeable in chemical handling and environmental safety standards.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
Reliable, safety-conscious, and a collaborative team player.
What's on Offer
6-month contract with a leading aerospace manufacturer.
Day shift hours - finish early on Fridays.
Inside IR35, with a competitive hourly rate available (to be discussed on application).
Work within a collaborative, technically skilled and safety-focused team.
Play a key role in delivering high-precision components for major international aircraft programmes.💡 Take your next step in aerospace manufacturing.
Apply now and join a team where precision, teamwork and pride in craftsmanship come together to deliver excellence every day