Manufacturing Operative - Wax Department in Exeter

Location: Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter, EX2

Employment Type: Full-Time | Shift-Based

Shift Pattern: 2 shift rotation, Monday to Friday (week 1 06:00am-14:00pm / week 2 14:00pm-22:00pm)

Pay Rate: £15.93 per hour

Your Work, Our Flight

At Howmet Aerospace, everything starts with precision — and in the Wax Department, you’ll be part of the foundation that makes advanced casting possible. From delicate wax components to flawless patterns, your steady hands and sharp eyes will help shape parts that fly, rotate, and power our world. Whether you’re experienced in manufacturing or new to the field, we’ll provide training and support to help you succeed.

What You'll Do

• Perform fine finishing and detailing of wax components with steady hands and precision tools
• Handle delicate parts with extreme care to preserve pattern integrity
• Follow technical drawings and instructions to meet exact engineering specifications
• Conduct quality control inspections, flagging any defects or inconsistencies
• Set, load, and prepare components for downstream processes
• Maintain a clean, organised workspace to support production flow and casting schedules
• Adhere to all Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) standards
• Collaborate with your team to keep work moving smoothly and efficiently
• Pitch in with other tasks when needed — teamwork makes it happen

What You Bring

• A steady hand and sharp eye — confident working with fragile, detailed components
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation
• Pride in delivering high-quality, accurate work
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude
• Willingness to learn and grow in a safety-first industrial environment
• Experience in wax and casting is helpful — but not required (training provided)

Why You'll Love This Role

• Be part of a team that values precision, skill, and attention to detail
• Hands-on experience in an essential stage of high-performance casting
• Learn specialised tools and techniques used across advanced manufacturing
• Enjoy a clean, structured environment where safety and quality come first
• Grow your skills with ongoing development and support

Specialised Roles Within the Wax Department

Wax Injection Operator – High-Value Precision Pressing

Summary: Operate wax injection presses to produce critical, high-quality patterns using precision tooling for aerospace and engineering applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Run wax injection presses to exact specifications
• Protect and maintain high-value tooling
• Follow detailed technical instructions and production documents
• Work efficiently to meet daily production goals without sacrificing quality
• Record outputs and flag any process issues or defects
• Keep workstations safe, clean, and organized
• Inspect each wax pattern carefully for structural integrity

What You’ll Need:

• Strong manual dexterity and mechanical awareness
• Confidence using industrial machinery in a high-standards setting
• Careful handling of expensive tools and small components
• Basic understanding of equipment care and safety procedures
• Ability to stay focused and meet deadlines in a fast-moving environment

Physical Requirements:

• Sit for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks
• Safely lift and handle materials up to 10kg
• Comfortable working with hot wax and machinery

Wax Cell Operator – Hand Finishing & Repair Specialist

Summary: Use your fine motor skills and eye for detail to finish, refine, and inspect intricate wax patterns — ensuring each one meets the highest possible standard.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finish and refine wax patterns with hand tools and sharp instruments
• Detect and repair subtle surface defects using precision techniques
• Follow work instructions meticulously
• Record data and report deviations to shift leads
• Use small, sharp tools like tweezers, brushes, dental picks
• Maintain a fast, steady rhythm while protecting fragile components
• Keep your area safe, clean, and ready for action

What You’ll Need:

• Excellent hand-eye coordination and patience
• Experience with detailed handcraft work (e.g. electronics, jewellery, or model-making) is a plus
• Familiarity with small tools and warm materials
• Ability to work solo or in a team in a production setting
• Focus on quality and responsibility in every pattern you handle

Physical Requirements:

• Sit or stand for extended periods
• Perform repetitive and precise tasks
• Safely handle wax and tools in a controlled environment
• Lift items up to 10kg as needed

Ready to Join Howmet? From your hands to the skies — your attention to detail in the Wax Department plays a key role in creating parts that power aerospace and energy solutions around the globe. If you’re ready to work with purpose, precision, and pride, apply now and grow your career with Howmet Aerospace.

Please note that this role may be subject to export control restrictions, including under ITAR. Any offer of employment will be conditional on the successful candidate meeting the applicable legal requirements for access to controlled information or technology.