At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Grade A Fitter, manufacturing aircraft components and ensuring quality standards.
- Company: Spirit AeroSystems is a leading manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial and defence aircraft.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holidays, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work at our Prestwick site with a supportive team and various operational roles available.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace while working in a dynamic, innovative environment with a focus on quality.
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship in a Manual discipline and SVQ Level 3 or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
Skilled Fitter (Approved Operator – Grade A)
Salary: £36,121 + (20% - 33% shift allowance depending on shift)
Location: Prestwick, Ayrshire
Hours: 37 per week (half day Friday)
Join One of Ayrshire’s Largest Engineering Employers
At Spirit AeroSystems, we’re proud to be part of Ayrshire’s strong engineering heritage and future. As one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, we design and build major aircraft components used around the globe — including wing structures and other key assemblies for Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft.
We’re looking for talented tradespeople who take pride in their craft to join our skilled fitting team at our Prestwick site. If you hold an SVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering trade, this is your opportunity to build a career with a company that values skill, precision, and personal growth.
The Opportunity
As a Skilled Fitter, you’ll play a hands‑on role in the manufacture of high‑quality aircraft components — from interpreting engineering drawings to completing precision assemblies, coatings, and sealing. Every day you’ll be contributing to world‑class projects, working alongside experienced professionals, and helping deliver products that keep the world flying.
You’ll also have opportunities to broaden your skills through development, cross‑training, and internal progression within a supportive team environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Manufacture and assemble aircraft components to exacting standards
- Apply coatings and sealing in line with engineering specifications
- Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient workspace
- Support colleagues and trainees where required
- Take part in continuous improvement activities and new technology initiatives
- Undertake operations and maintenance support tasks (e.g., crane use, tooling checks, vehicle movement, TPM activities)
What You’ll Bring
- A completed apprenticeship in a relevant manual or technical trade
- SVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification
- Experience in engineering or manufacturing environments
- Confidence reading and interpreting technical drawings
- A commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality
Why Spirit AeroSystems?
At our Prestwick facility, you’ll find a friendly, forward‑thinking workplace with excellent rewards and opportunities to grow your career.
What We Offer
- 37‑hour week (half‑day Friday)
- Defined contribution pension (4% employee / 8% employer)
- Shift premiums up to 33% (where applicable)
- Life assurance (4× basic salary)
- Overtime paid at time and a half
- 33 days annual leave (rising with service)
- Annual bonus linked to company performance
- Virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme, and wellbeing support
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Free car parking and flexible benefits
What Happens Next
If you’re ready to build a career that takes you further, apply today. Successful applicants will be asked to complete:
- Right to Work check
- Employment reference checks
- Disclosure Scotland
- Pre‑employment medical (Drug and Alcohol testing)
Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Approved Operator Grade A in Prestwick employer: Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Prestwick site where skilled Fitters can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances and shift premiums, and a culture that prioritises safety and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a leading aerospace manufacturer that values innovation and teamwork, while enjoying a balanced work-life with a half-day Friday schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Approved Operator Grade A in Prestwick
✨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 Spirit AeroSystems for a Approved Operator Grade A. 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 Approved Operator Grade A in Prestwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Spirit AeroSystems, 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 Spirit AeroSystems, 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 Spirit AeroSystems
✨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 Spirit AeroSystems.
✨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 Spirit AeroSystems. 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 Spirit AeroSystems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
