Innovation jobs in United Kingdom

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.

Due to an exciting period of growth, we are now seeking a number of certified Aircraft Fitters to join the team in our Defence manufacturing facilities, right here on the beautiful Isle of Wight.

Generous incentives available (subject to meeting qualifying terms & conditions), such as sign-on bonus, and relocation assistance for non-Island residents

Our Fitters are responsible for carrying out the required standard activities of their assigned tasks, in full compliance to the Work Instruction and/or Standard Operating Procedure, and without compromise to their own, and colleagues, safety.

Working as part of a close team, communication, flexibility and availability to work all shift patterns and overtime as required will also be essential in this role.

You will be expected to actively identify safety concerns, make problems immediately known to your TL, and raise improvement ideas to solve problems (Kaizen).

You will be part of a team that will collectively work on creating a 'Great Place To Work' through a culture of continuous improvement, safe working, and open dialogue.

You will be fully supported by your Team Leader (TL), who will enable your training and coaching.

• Contribute to their team in creating a "Great Place to Work" by role-modelling safety-first, a Kaizen mind-set, and supporting their colleagues
• Hold themselves, and fellow team members accountable to embody the GKNA culture principles
• Undertake all of their tasks in compliance with the standard work and their training, and make any problems; safety, quality, or other, immediately known to their TL
• Exemplify a safety-first mindset and follow all GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards
• Understand their team's People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost Key Performance Indicators and their contribution to them
• Become certified at the Lean Foundation level and implement at least 1 Kaizen per month
• Support the team and TL in problem solving, contributing ideas based upon own experience of their tasks
• Be an active member of the team, promoting collective engagement with each other
• Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements:
• The company's Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff
• Compliance and Ethics Policy on Contracting with the United States Government in all areas of responsibility involving direct and indirect contracting with the United States Government
• Export Control regulations

• Be experienced aircraft fitters, supported by evidence of 2-4 year, time-served apprenticeship and/or certification in relevant qualifications, with the ability to read and understand drawings, processes and procedures, you will be required to work within the company’s sub and final assembly production areas to meet the necessary regulatory quality standards and customer specifications. Assembly processes which utilise both Composite and Metallic structures will be part of the role.
• Have a developed sense of pride in your work, with a strong focus on quality
• Be friendly and collaborative, with a desire to work as part of a high performing team
• Be an effective communicator
• Be safety focused
• Be eligible to work in the UK

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?

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.