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
Under general supervision, the Composite Operator Level II (Wrap) performs intermediate to advanced composite wrapping and layup operations required to manufacture aerospace composite components. This position is responsible for independently executing wrap processes, ensuring material integrity and quality compliance, and supporting production efficiency. The Level II operator serves as a technical resource to Level I operators and actively supports training, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
Composite Wrap & Layup Operations:
1. Independently perform composite wrap and layup operations using prepreg, dry fiber, or other composite materials on molds, mandrels, or tooling per engineering requirements
2. Execute ply placement, orientation, sequencing, and consolidation in accordance with work instructions, drawings, and specifications
3. Perform debulking, vacuum bagging, leak checks, and preparation of wrapped components for cure
4. Identify and correct common layup issues such as wrinkles, bridging, overlap errors, or fiber distortion
5. Utilize hand tools, fixtures, templates, rollers, and cutting equipment proficiently
Material Preparation & Control:
6. Prepare composite materials including thawing, cutting, kitting, staging, and out time tracking
7. Ensure proper storage, identification, and traceability of materials throughout the wrap process
8. Apply release materials, breather, bleeder, peel play, films, and other consumables per process requirements
9. Maintain strict control of material handling to prevent contamination and FOD
Quality & Documentation:
10. Work independently from manufacturing plans, process specifications, drawings, and visual aids
11. Perform self-inspection of wrap and layup work to confirm compliance with quality requirements
12. Accurately complete production documentation, routers, inspection records, and electronic systems
13. Identify, document, and escalate nonconformances, defects, or process deviations
14. Support Quality and Engineering during inspections, investigations, and corrective actions
15. Safety, Environmental & Housekeeping
16. Comply with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements, including chemical handling and PPE usage
17. Maintain clean, organized, and FOD free work areas in accordance with aerospace standards
18. Segregate and dispose of composite waste, consumables, and materials per company and regulatory guidelines
Training, Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
19. Provide guidance, technical support, and on the job training to Level I Composite Operators
20. Assist with cross training, skill development, and onboarding of new employees
21. Participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process optimization activities
Support prototype builds, new product introductions, and development programs as required
Job Qualifications
22. High School Diploma or GED required.
23. 2 - 5 years of experience in composite manufacturing, wrap, or layup operations; Experience in aerospace manufacturing or regulated quality systems strongly preferred.
24. Demonstrated experience working independently in a composite wrap environment.
25. Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance requirements, with ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance if needed.
Required Skills & Abilities:
26. Proficient knowledge of composite wrap and layup techniques
27. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, play books, process specifications, and work instructions
28. Strong attention to detail with a high level of quality ownership
29. Good manual dexterity and coordination for precision layup tasks
30. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic process and quality issues
31. Effective communication skills and ability to mentor less experienced operators
32. Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
33. Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform repetitive hand motions for extended periods
34. Ability to lift and carry materials up to [35–50 lbs.]
35. Manufacturing environment with exposure to composite materials, resins, solvents, and tooling
36. Use of PPE including gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and protective clothing
Equal Opportunity Statement
GKN Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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.