Senior Composite Technician

We are looking for an experienced Senior Composite Technician, skilled in the production of precision carbon fibre components to join our team manufacturing our orbital launch vehicle here in Forres. You will be working with experts in the field to produce state of the art carbon fibre components that will be launched into space. 

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over £103m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the composites production team you will be involved in the end-to-end process of producing advanced composites components and assemblies for the launch vehicle as well as prototype hardware and test articles
• We are growing the team fast and are looking for experienced team members, ideally with experience in flight certified composite manufacturing although experience in other, high precision industries such as motorsport would be relevant
• Materials and tooling preparation, component lamination, cure preparation, curing, de-moulding, trimming, finishing, bond preparation and adhesive and mechanical assembly
• Provide support as required to in-house and external testing and part processing

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions
• Proactive and strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Adaptable and able to work under pressure to tight timescales
• High attention to detail
• Basic computer literacy

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in a composites production environment working with predominantly pre-impregnated carbon fibre components and assemblies
• Experience of aerospace, motorsport or premium performance applications. Aerospace or Space preferred 
• Proven ability to operate with minimal management working with process route cards, lamination books and digital process instructions
• Sound working knowledge of carbon composite production processes from tool preparation, lamination and cure preparation to part finishing
• Working knowledge of one or more composite assembly joining techniques

Desirable Experience

• Experience of working with medium to large scale, flight certified components
• Ability to interrogate CAD data for information
• Experience with ultralight bonded structures such as UAV and space applications
• Exposure to automated manufacturing techniques such as ply cutting, winding and AFP
• Mechanical fitting, Component inspection (Geometric, NDI)
• Experience closely following well defined and regulated manufacturing procedures

Personality

Orbex is a fast-moving company with a lot going on every single day. We are looking for motivated team players who will work hard, deliver reliably and put the team above themselves without any need for supervision.

Typically you will be:

• A creative, lateral thinker
• Flexible, dedicated, trustworthy
• Comfortable with extreme multi-tasking
• Highly detail-oriented
• Energetic and proactive

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.
 

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo BPSS security screening including a criminal record check. 
 

Benefits

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required

For the right candidate we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Salary between £38 - £48k depending on experience
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful
• Company Cycle to work Scheme
• 34 days of holidays per year
• Company Cycle to Work scheme
• 3% Nest Pension
• EA Programme
• Independent Mortgage Advice
• Health Assurance