At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning aircraft interiors by sewing high-quality soft furnishings and trim components.
- Company: Join Percival Aviation, a leader in aircraft interiors with over 40 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, healthcare, pension, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment focused on quality, safety, and craftsmanship.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team crafting beautiful aviation products that meet high standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial sewing or upholstery, especially with leather and fabrics.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Fareham, Hampshire
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Upholstery Team Leader
About the Company
Percival Aviation is a privately owned aircraft interiors specialist based in Fareham, Hampshire. We design, manufacture, certify, repair and maintain high-quality aircraft interior components and associated equipment for customers across the aviation sector. With over 40 years’ experience, our teams combine technical expertise, craftsmanship and rigorous quality standards to deliver reliable, compliant and beautifully finished products.
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced and detail-focused Industrial Sewing Machinist to join our aircraft interiors production team, in Fareham, Hampshire. This role will involve manufacturing, repairing and finishing aircraft soft furnishings and trim components, including seat covers, curtains, cushions and leather or fabric assemblies. The successful candidate will work to technical instructions, quality requirements and production deadlines while maintaining the high standards expected in an aerospace environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate a range of industrial sewing machines (e.g. flat-bed, walking-foot, overlocker, twin-needle) to produce aircraft upholstery components.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, patterns, work instructions and job cards.
- Cut, prepare and stitch materials including leather, vinyl and specialist aviation fabrics.
- Ensure all work meets aerospace quality, safety and traceability requirements.
- Perform repairs, rework, and finishing on existing upholstery components.
- Work collaboratively with the upholstery and trim teams to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
- Maintain equipment, keep accurate production records, and uphold high standards of workplace cleanliness and safety.
Skills and Experience Required:
- Proven experience as an Industrial Sewing Machinist or Upholsterer (aviation, automotive, marine, or similar precision industry).
- Confident working with leather, vinyl, fabrics and other trim materials.
- Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
- Understanding of health and safety and quality procedures.
- Ability to follow documented processes and maintain accurate, consistent workmanship.
What We Offer:
- A permanent, full-time role with a respected and growing aircraft interiors specialist.
- The opportunity to work on high-quality aviation interior products in a skilled production environment.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Supportive team culture with a strong focus on quality, safety and craftsmanship.
- Salary sacrifice pension.
- Death in service.
- Healthcare.
- Annual bonus based on company performance and team objectives.
- 23 days holiday on commencement of employment, increasing to 25 days’ annual leave after three years’ continuous service.
- After five years’ continuous service, an additional paid day’s leave for your birthday.
How to Apply
If you have strong industrial sewing experience and take pride in producing high-quality work, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a short summary of your relevant experience.
Industrial Sewing Machinist employer: Percival Aviation
Percival Aviation is an excellent employer, offering a permanent, full-time role in a supportive team culture that prioritises quality, safety, and craftsmanship. Located in Fareham, Hampshire, employees benefit from competitive salaries, a salary sacrifice pension, healthcare, and generous holiday allowances that increase with service. With over 40 years of experience in the aviation sector, we provide meaningful opportunities for growth and development while working on high-quality aircraft interior products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Sewing Machinist
✨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 Percival Aviation for a Industrial Sewing Machinist. 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 Industrial Sewing Machinist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Percival Aviation, 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 Percival Aviation, 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 Percival Aviation
✨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 Percival Aviation.
✨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 Percival Aviation. 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 Percival Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
