Process Operator in Coventry

Location: Coventry, UK

Hours: Continental Shift (see job ad for details)

Vacancy Type: Full-time and Permanent

Salary: £28,677.45 base plus £9,463.56 shift allowance, total £38,141 per year

10+ Permanent Positions | Continental Shift | Coventry | Immediate Start

The continental shift starts in August. Join before then and you will start on a temporary non-continental shift pattern until the new shift goes live.

The job involves joining an exciting and growing business, taking pride in playing a part in something that matters. NP Aerospace is committed to creating opportunities for people living in and around Coventry or willing to commute, and the work will help protect lives all over the world.

Due to new operational requirements and increased demand, NP Aerospace is continuing to grow our manufacturing team in Coventry. We are looking to bring 20 plus Process Operators into the business as soon as possible.

As a Process Operator, you will work in a busy production cell manufacturing components for defence, including military helmets. You will follow a production plan set by your Team Leader and carry out tasks in line with clear Manufacturing Instructions, working as part of a supportive team that takes pride in quality, safety, and getting the job done right.

Depending on business need and your experience, you could be based in one of three cells: CNC cutting, water jet cutting, or press and mouldings. Full training will be provided, with opportunities to develop skills across CNC cutting, water jet cutting, and press and moulding.

Shift pattern: This is a rotating continental shift pattern. You work 4 days on, then 4 days off, on 11.25-hour shifts. Shifts rotate between days and nights.

• Day shift: 6am to 6pm (Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes)
• Night shift: 6pm to 6am (Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes)

Your rota will confirm whether you are on days or nights for each 4-day block.

What you'll get in return:

• Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
• Time to recharge: 247.5 hours per year, equivalent to 22 shifts per year
• Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) – subject to approval
• Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
• Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

What you'll be doing:

In this role, you will carry out a range of hands-on production tasks to support safe, consistent output and strong traceability. The key duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare and handle raw materials for each workstream, including delivery to the cell, preparation and set up.
• Accurately place cut material shapes into the correct tools and fixtures, including preform tooling and material, moulding tools, vac form tooling, composite tooling, and steel tooling.
• Load tools, laminates, and preforms safely into the relevant equipment, including compression presses, ovens, and autoclaves, following the required process steps.
• Complete lay-up activities in line with Manufacturing Instructions and required quality standards.
• Operate presses safely and consistently, maintaining good process discipline and reporting any issues promptly.
• Carry out finishing and assembly of composite components to specification, ensuring the required standard of workmanship and traceability.
• Pack and label finished products correctly, ensuring items are protected, identified, and traceable.
• Record production data accurately and on time, completing all required documentation and system updates.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

What makes someone successful:

• Reliable and punctual, comfortable with 4 on 4 off shift pattern
• Safety first mindset and attention to detail
• Happy working to standard work and following instructions
• Good hand skills and comfortable with repetitive tasks
• Team focused, willing to learn and take feedback

Experience:

• Able to understand and follow written Manufacturing Instructions and communicate clearly with your Team Leader and colleagues, as the role involves safety-critical processes and accurate record keeping.
• Experience in a busy manufacturing environment is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided.
• Previous experience working with composite materials or within the composites industry is an advantage.
• Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.