Who are we:
Auxitrol Weston Operating Unit (OU) consists of 3 manufacturing plants, Auxitrol SA (France), Weston Aerospace Ltd (UK), Auxitrol Weston (Mexico), with 3 R&D departments in France, UK and Norwich Aero Products Inc (US) along with 4 repair capabilities in France, UK, US & Singapore.
Weston Aerospace Ltd has approximately 188 employees at Farnborough whose responsibilities are to design and manufacture temperature, speed and pressure sensors for gas turbine and airframe applications.
We have extensive environmental test facilities to verify our products’ performance, replicating and exceeding hostile operating conditions.
We have another smaller manufacturing site dedicated to analogue indicators, based in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire with 14 employees.
Role & Job Summary
Job Purpose
The Hydraulic Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating and monitoring hydraulic press machinery to manufacture components safely, accurately and efficiently. The role includes checking materials and finished parts, completing production records, identifying basic equipment faults and maintaining a clean, safe working area.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate hydraulic presses in accordance with work instructions, drawings and production schedules.
- Load raw materials, position tooling and remove finished components using approved manual-handling or lifting methods.
- Adjust machine settings, including pressure, stroke and cycle time, within authorised limits.
- Inspect components using appropriate measuring equipment and confirm that output meets specified quality standards.
- Record production quantities, scrap, downtime and inspection results accurately.
- Identify defects, equipment abnormalities and unsafe conditions; stop the process and report concerns promptly.
- Carry out routine pre-use checks, cleaning and basic operator maintenance.
- Support tool changes and changeovers, following isolation and lock-off procedures where applicable.
- Meet agreed production targets while maintaining quality and safety requirements.
- Keep the workstation organised and follow good housekeeping practices.
- Work collaboratively with production, quality and maintenance colleagues to resolve issues and improve processes.
- Follow all company policies, risk assessments, safe systems of work and personal protective equipment requirements.
Skills and Experience
- Previous experience operating hydraulic presses or similar industrial machinery is desirable.
- Ability to read and follow production instructions, technical drawings and specifications.
- Basic understanding of dimensional inspection and the use of measuring tools such as callipers, micrometers or gauges.
- Good awareness of machinery hazards and safe working practices.
- Strong attention to detail and a consistent approach to quality.
- Ability to identify problems, communicate clearly and escalation issues appropriately.
- Dependable, punctual and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Basic numeracy and written record‑keeping skills.
- Multistage progression tooling as well as pierce and blank tooling
- Desirable they have a relevant power press regulations certificate Puwer or Rospa
Qualifications and Training
- Secondary education or equivalent practical experience.
- Relevant manufacturing, engineering or machinery‑operation qualification is desirable.
- Training in manual handling, lifting equipment, abrasive wheels or workplace safety is advantageous where relevant to the site.
- Site‑specific machines, tooling, isolation and health‑and‑safety training will be provided as required.
Physical and Working Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive production tasks.
- Ability to handle materials within defined safe limits and use mechanical aids when required.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with machinery noise, oils and metal components.
- Willingness to wear prescribed personal protective equipment and work allocated shifts, including overtime where agreed.
- Any physical requirements must be applied reasonably and with appropriate workplace adjustments.
Performance Measures
- Safe operation and compliance with procedures.
- Output against production plan.
- Quality, scrap and rework levels.
- Accuracy of production and inspection records.
- Equipment care, housekeeping and attendance.
Competencies
- Customer Focus Knows and understands the needs of internal and external customers. Is results oriented and works hard to consistently provide exceptional service.
- Ethics and Values Adheres to an effective set of core values and beliefs and acts in accordance. Rewards the right values and disapproves of others.
- Problem Solving Looks beyond the obvious to find effective solutions.
- Integrity and Trust Widely trusted and seen as direct and truthful.
- Functional/Technical Skills Possesses the skills to be effective in the job. Has the skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment.
- Listening Practices active and attentive listening, able to hear others.
- Action‑oriented Full of energy, willing to take action.
- Composure Cool under pressure, not knocked off balance by the unexpected, is a settling influence
- Values Diversity Supports fair and equal treatment for all.
