Job Description: A CAWDE Operator at the Airbus Filton plant operates Electroimpact's 5-axis Composite Automated Wing Drilling Equipment (CAWDE) to execute high-precision drilling, countersinking, and temporary bolt insertion during the assembly of A400M wing boxes.
Role Overview
Location: Airbus Filton Facility (Bristol, UK)
Program: Airbus A400M Military Transport Aircraft Wing Production
Primary Equipment: Electroimpact 5-Axis Traveling-Column CNC Post Mill with ride-on operator platform
Materials Worked: Multi-material stacks including Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) wing skins, aluminum/titanium ribs, composite spars, and engine pylon reinforcements.
Key Responsibilities
- CNC Machine Operation: Load and execute CNC part programs using multi-display HMIs, camera monitoring systems, and hold-to-run pendants while positioned on the machine's ride-on platform.
- Precision Automated Drilling & Fastening: Drill and countersink holes ranging from 1/4\" to 3/4\" diameter through thick composite-to-metal material stacks under continuous joint clamp loads (900 N to 9,000 N).
- System Sensor Calibration: Use automated metrology tools - including Renishaw touch probes, surface normality sensors, optical resync cameras, and Thru-Skin magnetic sensors to realign machine head positioning normal to actual wing skin contours.
- Tooling & Maintenance: Change out drill bits and cutting tools by diameter via dedicated shadow boxes, ensuring proper functioning of through-bit flood coolant, chip vacuuming, and coolant recovery systems.
- Quality Assurance: Verify hole tolerances, countersink depths, and automated slave-dowel/bolt installations, completing mandatory shop-floor quality tracking and aerospace compliance documentation.
- Safety & EHS: Work within strict aerospace Environmental Health & Safety guidelines while operating heavy automated equipment around elevated assembly jigs and composite dust extraction systems.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education/Apprenticeship: Recognized time-served engineering apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Advanced Manufacturing.
- Machining Background: Practical experience operating 5-axis CNC machine tools, reading G-code/M-code, and managing automated machining cycles.
- Material Expertise: Knowledge of structural assembly techniques, specifically metal-composite stack drilling and carbon-fiber machining dynamics.
- Security Requirements: Eligibility for UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance given the defense scope of the A400M program. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company
Company: Airbus Operations Limited Employment Type: Permanent ------- Experience Level: Professional Job Family: Assembly & Integration
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all.
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Skilled Fitter - CAWDE Operator employer: Prestwick Aerosystems
Prestwick Aerosystems offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Ayrshire, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow their careers within the aerospace industry. With a commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a focus on work-life balance with a half-day Friday, this company stands out as an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in manufacturing engineering.
