Composite Assembly Technician

We are looking for an experienced Composite Assembly Technician, skilled in the production and assembly of precision carbon fiber components to join our team manufacturing our orbital launch vehicle here in Forres.

You will be working with experts in the field to produce and assemble state of the art carbon fiber components that will be launched into space.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

The Position

The position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:

• As a member of the composites production team you will be involved in the end-to-end process of producing advanced composites components and assemblies for the launch vehicle as well as prototype hardware and test articles
• Materials and tooling preparation, component lamination, cure preparation, curing, de-moulding, trimming, fitting, finishing, bond preparation and adhesive and mechanical assembly
• Provide support as required to in-house and external testing and part processing

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions
• Previous experience in a composites production environment working with predominantly pre-impregnated carbon fiber components and assemblies
• Experience of aerospace, motorsport or premium performance applications
• Ability to operate with minimal management working with process route cards, lamination books and digital process instructions
• Sound working knowledge of carbon composite production processes from tool preparation, lamination and cure preparation to part finishing
• Working knowledge of one or more composite assembly joining techniques

Desirable Experience

• Experience of working with medium to large scale, flight certified components

• Ability to interrogate CAD data for information
• Experience with ultralight bonded structures such as UAV and space applications
• Exposure to automated manufacturing techniques such as ply cutting, winding and AFP
• Mechanical fitting, Component inspection (Geometric, NDI)
• Experience closely following well defined and regulated manufacturing procedures

Personality

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non technical team members.

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo BPSS security screening including a criminal record check.

Benefits

For the right candidate we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Salary of £35–40k per annum depending on experience
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful.
• Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required including both a relocation allowance and temporary accommodation.
• Company Cycle to Work scheme