Location: Coventry, UK
Hours: Continental Shift (see job ad for details)
Vacancy Type: Full-time and Permanent
Salary: £28,677.45 base plus £9,463.56 shift allowance, total £38,141 per year
10+ Permanent Positions | Continental Shift | Coventry | Immediate Start
The continental shift starts in August. Join before then and you will start on a temporary non -continental shift pattern until the new shift goes live.
The job
We are looking for people who want to join an exciting and growing business, and who take pride in playing a part in something that matters. We are committed to creating opportunities for people living in and around Coventry or willing to commute, and the work you do here will help NP Aerospace protect lives all over the world.
Due to new operational requirements and increased demand, NP Aerospace is continuing to grow our manufacturing team in Coventry. We are creating a new continental shift to support a new contract and the volume of work that comes with it, and we are looking to bring 20 plus Process Operators into the business as soon as possible.
As a Process Operator, you will work in a busy production cell manufacturing components for defence, including the production of a military helmet. You will follow a production plan set by your Team Leader and carry out tasks in line with clear Manufacturing Instructions, working as part of a supportive team that takes pride in quality, safety and getting the job done right. Depending on business need and your experience, you could be based in one of three cells: CNC cutting, water jet cutting, or press and mouldings.
Full training provided, with opportunities to develop skills across CNC cutting, water jet cutting, and press and moulding.
Do you want to know more about NPA? Visit our LinkedIn page and NPA Careers Page to find out more about us!
Shift pattern
This is a rotating continental shift pattern. You work 4 days on, then 4 days off, on 11.25-hour shifts. Shifts rotate between days and nights.
Day shift: 6am to 6pm
Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes
Night shift: 6pm to 6am
Two unpaid breaks: 30 minutes and 15 minutes
Your rota will confirm whether you are on days or nights for each 4-day block.
What you'll get in return
At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:
Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
Time to recharge: 247.5 hours per year, equivalent to 22 shifts per year
Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) – subject to approval
Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
What you'll be doing
In this role, you will carry out a range of hands-on production tasks to support safe, consistent output and strong traceability. The key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.
- Prepare and handle raw materials for each workstream, including delivery to the cell, preparation and set up.
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Accurately place cut material shapes into the correct tools and fixtures, including preform tooling and material, moulding tools, vac form tooling, composite tooling and steel tooling.
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Load tools, laminates and preforms safely into the relevant equipment, including compression presses, ovens and autoclaves, following the required process steps.
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Complete lay up activities in line with Manufacturing Instructions and required quality standards.
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Operate presses safely and consistently, maintaining good process discipline and reporting any issues promptly.
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Carry out finishing and assembly of composite components to specification, ensuring the required standard of workmanship and traceability.
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Pack and label finished products correctly, ensuring items are protected, identified and traceable.
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Record production data accurately and on time, completing all required documentation and system updates.
Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.
What makes someone successful
- Reliable and punctual, comfortable with 4 on 4 off shift pattern
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Safety first mindset and attention to detail
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Happy working to standard work and following instructions
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Good hand skills and comfortable with repetitive tasks
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Team focused, willing to learn and take feedback
Experience
- Able to understand and follow written Manufacturing Instructions and communicate clearly with your Team Leader and colleagues, as the role involves safety critical processes and accurate record keeping.
- Experience in a busy manufacturing environment is preferred but not essential, as full training will be provided.
- Previous experience working with composite materials or within the composites industry is an advantage.
- Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.
What do we do at NP Aerospace?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.
Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
