At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop next-gen composite products for aerospace.
- Company: Safran, a global leader in aviation and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible leave options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace innovation while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Hands-on technical skills and experience with engineering equipment are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with structured training and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary
- Company performance bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
- Structured training & opportunities to progress
What does the role look like?
This is a highly hands-on R&D technician role supporting the development of next-generation composite products and manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications. You will work closely with engineers in a collaborative R&D environment, manufacturing and testing advanced composite structures using cutting-edge processes such as robotic winding, tri-axial braiding and High-Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The role combines practical manufacturing with structured testing, helping to turn innovative concepts into validated, high-performance composite solutions.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Manufacture and assemble advanced composite components using filament winding, braiding, RTM, mechanical fastening and structural adhesives
- Plan, set up, execute and report on engineering test programmes to support R&D activities
- Design, build and adapt bespoke test enclosures, fixtures and rigs to enable safe, repeatable testing
- Conduct mechanical, impact, pressure, leak and environmental testing on composite components
- Apply and validate strain gauges and carry out material characterisation (e.g. fibre volume fraction, void content, Tg)
- Collaborate with engineers to develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions and best practices
- Operate, troubleshoot and maintain manufacturing and test equipment, ensuring compliance with safety, COSHH and 5S standards
- Proactively identify hazards and support a strong health, safety and housekeeping culture
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- Strong hands-on technical ability within a laboratory, test or manufacturing environment
- Experience operating industrial or engineering equipment, such as manufacturing systems or mechanical test rigs
- A logical, methodical approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail
Desirable skills:
- Experience working with composite materials and processes (e.g. RTM, filament winding, braiding)
- Exposure to mechanical, pressure or environmental testing and test data reporting
- Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and data analysis
- A proactive mindset, comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with a strong willingness to learn
Composite Test & Development Technician in Banbury employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Contact Detail:
Safran Actuation Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Composite Test & Development Technician in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence industry, especially those at Safran. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with composite materials or testing, bring it up in conversations. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding Safran's mission and values. We’re all about sustainability and innovation, so be ready to discuss how your background aligns with that.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Composite Test & Development Technician in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Composite Test & Development Technician role. Highlight your hands-on technical skills and any experience with composite materials or testing processes. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in aerospace and how your skills can contribute to our mission at Safran. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have with manufacturing systems or mechanical test rigs. We’re keen on seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Safran.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Actuation Systems
✨Know Your Composites
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of composite materials and processes like RTM, filament winding, and braiding. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid understanding of what it entails.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Since this role is highly practical, be prepared to share specific examples of your hands-on experience in a lab or manufacturing environment. Talk about the equipment you've operated and any testing you've conducted, as this will demonstrate your technical ability and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to mechanical testing and data reporting. Brush up on your knowledge of strain gauges, material characterisation, and safety standards. Being well-prepared will help you answer confidently and show your expertise.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with engineers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated in past projects, especially in fast-paced environments. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative R&D setting, which is crucial for success at Safran.