Composite Operator - Level II - V22

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 independently performs a range of composite manufacturing operations required to fabricate, assemble, and process composite parts and assemblies for the V 22 Bell program. The Level II operator is proficient in multiple composite processes, works from detailed engineering documentation, ensures compliance with Bell and aerospace quality standards, and provides technical support and guidance to Level I operators.

Job Responsibilities Composite Manufacturing & Assembly:

Independently perform composite layup, wrap, bonding, trimming, drilling, and assembly operations for V 22 composite parts and subassemblies Execute ply placement, orientation, sequencing, and consolidation per engineering drawings, ply books, and work instructions Perform vacuum bagging, debulking, leak checks, and preparation of composite components for curing Join, assemble, and integrate composite structures and detail parts in accordance with program and process specifications Identify and correct common composite defects such as wrinkles, bridging, ply misalignment, or contamination

Material Preparation & Process Control:

Prepare composite materials including thawing, cutting, kitting, staging, and out time control Properly handle prepreg, dry fiber, resins, adhesives, sealants, and consumables to ensure material integrity Apply release agents, peel ply, breather, bleeder, films, and tapes per approved processes Ensure material identification, labeling, and traceability in compliance with Bell V 22 program requirements

Quality & Documentation:

Work independently from engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and routers Perform self-inspection of work to verify compliance with quality, dimensional, and visual standards Accurately complete production documentation, inspection records, and electronic systems Identify, document, and communicate non conformances, defects, or process deviations Support Quality and Engineering during inspections, investigations, and corrective actions

Training, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement:

Provide technical guidance and on the job training to Level I Composite Operators Support onboarding, cross training, and skill development initiatives Participate in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process optimization activities Assist with prototype builds, rework, and development efforts as required

Safety, Environmental & Housekeeping:

Comply with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements and Bell program safety standards Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and protective clothing Maintain a clean, organized, and FOD free work area Properly segregate and dispose of composite waste, chemicals, and consumables per company and regulatory requirements Job Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required 2 - 5 years of experience in composite manufacturing or aerospace assembly; Experience working in a regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment preferred Demonstrated experience performing composite layup, wrap, bond, or trim operations with minimal supervision 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.

Skills & Abilities:

Proficient understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, ply books, and work instructions Strong attention to detail and quality ownership Good manual dexterity and hand eye coordination Ability to troubleshoot basic process and quality issues Effective communication skills and ability to mentor less experienced operators Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

Ability to stand, bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods Ability to lift and carry materials up to 35-50 lbs. Manufacturing environment with exposure to composite materials, resins, solvents, and machinery PPE required including gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and protective clothing

Confined Space & Limited Access Work Requirements:

Ability to safely perform work in confined or restricted spaces including aircraft structures, subassemblies, tooling, and enclosed composite components Perform composite layup, bonding, trimming, inspection, or assembly tasks while working in limited access areas that may restrict movement, visibility, or positioning Ability to work in awkward positions for extended periods, including kneeling, crouching, bending, reaching, or working overhead Comply with all confined space awareness entry required training, safety procedures, and signage requirements as defined by site EHS and program standards Ability to maintain situational awareness and follow communication protocols while working in enclosed or restricted environments Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation equipment, and monitoring devices when working in confined or limited access spaces Immediately report unsafe conditions, physical discomfort, or hazards encountered while working in confined spaces to supervision 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. ​​