Manufacturing Technician

We are looking for a Manufacturing Technician to join our team at Leonardo's Luton site. This role is critical to the manufacture of advanced aerospace and defence products, requiring exceptional attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to quality.

As a Manufacturing Technician, you will perform highly precise assembly, inspection, and finishing operations on complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products. Working within a cleanroom and controlled manufacturing environment, you will assemble delicate, high-tolerance components where precision, consistency, and workmanship directly impact product performance and customer satisfaction.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while contributing to products that help protect people, assets, and national security.

• Assemble complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, and process specifications.
• Perform micro-scale assembly using hand tools, tweezers, microscopes, magnification systems, and specialist equipment.
• Carry out soldering and wiring activities in accordance with IPC and company standards.
• Perform fine alignment, fitting, adjustment, and interconnection of components within tight manufacturing tolerances.
• Handle fragile and miniature components, including micro-electronics, fine wires, miniature fasteners, springs, and other high-precision parts.
• Operate production equipment and support manufacturing processes in line with company procedures.
• Complete both repeat production activities and low-volume, high-complexity assembly work.

• Conduct detailed visual inspections using microscopes and magnification equipment.
• Perform self-inspection to verify compliance against build instructions, drawings, and quality standards.
• Identify defects, discrepancies, and non-conformances that may not be detected through automated inspection processes.
• Raise quality notifications and support root cause investigations where required.
• Accurately record manufacturing activities, quality checks, process data, and deviations.

• Manage assembly activities throughout the production process to transform components into finished products.
• Work to defined production targets and cycle times while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to resolve technical and process-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement activities aimed at improving safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency.
• Carry out autonomous maintenance activities, including cleaning, inspections, and basic equipment care.

• Work in accordance with Health & Safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), FOD (Foreign Object Debris), and Clean-as-You-Go disciplines.
• Operate effectively within cleanroom and temperature/humidity-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Ensure work areas, equipment, and materials are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation.

• Experience within a manufacturing, production, assembly, or engineering environment.
• Proven ability to assemble small, delicate, or high-precision components.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Ability to work accurately with miniature components and high-tolerance assemblies.
• Experience using hand tools and precision assembly equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify defects and quality issues.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and procedures.
• Experience working to production schedules and quality requirements.
• Ability to maintain focus and consistency while performing repetitive precision tasks.
• Good understanding of workplace safety and quality standards.

• Soldering experience to IPC standards.
• Current IPC certifications (J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610).
• Experience working within a cleanroom environment.
• Experience using microscopes and magnification systems for assembly and inspection.
• Knowledge of ESD and FOD control requirements.
• Experience operating pick-and-place machinery.
• Experience of hybrid microelectronic assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of device attachment and interconnection methods.
• Previous experience within aerospace, defence, military, medical device, jewellery, watchmaking, or other precision manufacturing industries.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting