Research, Development and Test Technician (RDT) (H/F) - GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED (UK) in Banbury

Safran is an international high-tech group operating in the fields of aeronautics (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defence. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes increasingly environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. The Group employs 100,000 people worldwide and has a turnover of €27.3 billion in 2024, holding leading positions globally or in partnership in its markets. Safran is the 2nd company in the aerospace and defence sector in the "World's Best Companies 2024" ranking by TIME magazine.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its clients embedded intelligence solutions that allow them to understand their environment, reduce mental load and ensure a trajectory, even in critical situations, across all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or in space. The company leverages the expertise of its 13,000 employees to serve three functions: observe, decide and guide, for both civil and military markets.

Mission description

What does the role look like? This is a highly hands-on R&D technician role supporting the development of next-generation composite products and manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications. You'll work closely with engineers in a collaborative R&D environment, manufacturing and testing advanced composite structures using cutting-edge processes such as robotic winding, tri-axial braiding and High-Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The role combines practical manufacturing with structured testing, helping to turn innovative concepts into validated, high-performance composite solutions.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Manufacture and assemble advanced composite components using filament winding, braiding, RTM, mechanical fastening and structural adhesives.
• Plan, set up, execute and report on engineering test programmes to support R&D activities.
• Design, build and adapt bespoke test enclosures, fixtures and rigs to enable safe, repeatable testing.
• Conduct mechanical, impact, pressure, leak and environmental testing on composite components.
• Apply and validate strain gauges and carry out material characterisation (e.g. fibre volume fraction, void content, Tg).
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions and best practices.
• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring compliance with safety, COSHH and 5S standards.
• Proactively identify hazards and support a strong health, safety and housekeeping culture.

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills

• Strong hands-on technical ability within a laboratory, test or manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating industrial or engineering equipment, such as manufacturing systems or mechanical test rigs.
• A logical, methodical approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail.

Desirable skills

• Experience working with composite materials and processes (e.g. RTM, filament winding, braiding).
• Exposure to mechanical, pressure or environmental testing and test data reporting.
• Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and data analysis.
• A proactive mindset, comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with a strong willingness to learn.