At a Glance
- Tasks: Assemble and test innovative aircraft seating products, ensuring quality and manufacturability.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in diverse employee groups.
- Why this job: Be part of a team crafting the future of flight with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.
Your Role
As a Build Technician, you will play a key role in the development and industrialisation of new aircraft seating products. Acting as a vital link between engineering and production, you will assemble, test, and refine prototype seats to ensure they are robust, manufacturable, and ready for series production. Working hands-on with cutting-edge aerospace products, you will support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects by identifying design and assembly issues early, proposing improvements, and helping drive continuous improvement throughout the development lifecycle.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building prototype and development seat assemblies from CAD data and engineering instructions
- Checking parts and assemblies against drawings, specifications, and design intent
- Identifying and reporting build issues, and supporting root cause analysis (RCA)
- Proposing practical improvements to enhance product manufacturability and assembly efficiency
- Supporting design reviews with feedback from a build and assembly perspective
- Reworking and modifying parts to test new design solutions
- Developing, validating, and improving process work instructions
- Recording build times to support cycle time calculation and production readiness
- Supporting production teams during product ramp-up and training operators
- Working closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to meet airworthiness and quality requirements
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives (5C, 5S, Lean practices)
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%
- Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members
- Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work
- 4 x Life Assurance
- Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection
- Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee-assistance programme
- Annual share save schemes
Opportunities for career growth are available. We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.
What You'll Bring
Essential:
- BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience/apprenticeship)
- Experience in aerospace or automotive manufacturing environments
- Ability to read and interpret 2D engineering drawings
- Hands-on assembly experience using mechanical fixings (fasteners, rivets, bonding, etc.)
- Good understanding of materials (metal, composites, etc.)
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
- Basic IT skills (MS Office) and ability to work with engineering systems
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities under pressure
Desirable:
- Knowledge of machining operations (lathe, milling, CNC)
- Experience with CAD model interrogation (3D software)
- Understanding of composites and additive manufacturing
- Experience in sheet metal work
- Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems (e.g., BaaN)
- Experience creating or improving work instructions and assembly processes
Locations
Build Technician in Cwmbran, Wales employer: Safran
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Build Technician, you'll enjoy a wealth of benefits including 33 days of holiday, an industry-leading pension scheme, and comprehensive health coverage, all while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace projects in a diverse and inclusive environment. With ample opportunities for career growth and development, Safran is committed to crafting excellence together with our employees, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Build Technician in Cwmbran, Wales
✨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 Safran for a Build Technician. 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 Build Technician in Cwmbran, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran, 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 Safran, 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 Safran
✨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 Safran.
✨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 Safran. 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 Safran love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.