Composite Operator

Job Summary

Due to significant growth, GKN Aerospace have now created a number of brand new opportunities for experienced Composite Operators

Based in one of our busy East Cowes facilities, and reporting into one of our Team Leaders (TL), the Composite Operator will be responsible for working on the layup and strip out of composite components on a variety of contracts to meet customer, quality and regulatory standards

Job holders will be required to achieve a “certified” status where applicable and will receive relevant training to undertake their tasks safely, and to a high quality level, through a Job Instruction Process.  Requirements will be set out in their role/department competence matrix.

Job holder will be supported by their Team Leader (TL), who will enable training or coaching required to support them in their role and will quickly respond to them if they find any off-standard/quality issues.

Job Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities will include:

• Working on monolithic composites and / or honeycomb assemblies
• Metal bonding as and where necessary
• Hand cutting kits where necessary
• Undertaking all tasks in compliance with standard work and the training provided.
• At all times complying with the Site’s Business Management System (BMS) / Quality Management System (QMS).
• Making any problems (safety, quality, or other) immediately known to the Team Leader or Inspector.
• Being a Lean advocate implementing at least 1 Kaizen (problem identified and solved) per month.
• Supporting the Team, Team Leader & Inspectors with problem solving by contributing ideas and solutions based upon own experience of tasks.
• Understanding the Team’s key performance indicators for People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost and their personal contribution to improving them.
• Holding themselves, and fellow team members accountable to the 5 GKNA culture principles (Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, Ownership)
• Complying with all GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements including export control regulations.
• Being an active Team member, contribute to team engagement activities and help create a ‘Great Place to Work’ through supporting a safe working environment, problem solving and supporting colleagues.

Job Qualifications

Suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

ESSENTIAL:

• Significant previous experience of working with composites, gained within in a manufacturing environment;
• Good level of literacy and numeracy.
• Composite layup skills and experience
• Material handling skills
• Honeycomb installation skills
• Displays a safety first mind-set at all times.
• Effective communicator.
• Ability to work effectively to deadlines and schedules.
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions.
• Works effectively within, and can adhere to standardised processes and/or work instructions.
• Able to work both independently, or as part of a team.
• Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail.

DESIRABLE:

• A track record of Kaizen implementation;
• Experience working within a Lean Operating Model/Production System;
• Previous Aerospace experience;
• A passion for the Aerospace Industry.