At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and operate industrial knitting machines for advanced aerospace components.
- Company: Join Oxford Space Systems, a leader in innovative space technology.
- Benefits: Gain experience in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours during peak periods; must obtain UK security clearance.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team shaping the future of space-based services.
- Qualifications: Strong sewing skills; experience with STOLL ADF machines is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Company Oxford Space Systems develops innovative deployable antennas for Space. Our aim is to be the global leader in this field, providing effective solutions today for the space-based services of the future. We are leveraging innovations from beyond the space sector to make our antennas smaller, lighter and cheaper than traditional designs.
This is an exciting time to join us as we scale up for the future, having already delivered multiple systems for operational satellites with in-orbit deployment success, and significant investment in our facilities with a state-of-the-art head office at Harwell and a bespoke manufacturing facility in Abingdon.
The Role As our manufacturing capability grows, we're looking for a Knitting Technician/ Operator to join our team, supporting the development and manufacture of advanced knitted components. Reporting to the Technical Textiles Lead, you'll be responsible for setting up, programming and operating our industrial knitting machines to produce new knit patterns for 2D and 3D components, while supporting manufacturing processes and technical textile solutions.
Working closely with our R&D and Operations teams, you'll carry out knitting trials, production runs and machine programming, alongside cutting, sewing and joining technical textile and metal mesh components using established manufacturing techniques. You'll also take ownership of the routine maintenance of knitting and sewing equipment, ensuring machinery remains in excellent working order and production quality is maintained to the highest standards.
We're looking for someone with strong sewing skills. Experience with STOLL ADF knitting machines or knitting with metal yarns would be highly advantageous, although we're equally interested in individuals with a willingness to apply and develop their technical textile expertise within a highly specialised and innovative industry.
As our workload can fluctuate in line with project demands, we're looking for someone who is happy to be flexible on occasion, adjusting their working hours during peak manufacturing periods to support business needs. Due to the nature of our work, you'll need to be eligible to obtain UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
If you have the relevant skills and experience, enjoy solving technical challenges and want to make a significant contribution to a growing and innovative aerospace business, we would like to hear from you. In return, we offer the opportunity to work with a highly skilled team, contribute to the manufacture of advanced aerospace products and gain experience within a dynamic and fast-growing organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knitting Technician / Operator in Harwell
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Oxford Space Systems for a Knitting Technician / Operator. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Knitting Technician / Operator in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Oxford Space Systems, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Oxford Space Systems, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Space Systems
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Oxford Space Systems.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Oxford Space Systems. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Oxford Space Systems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
