MIG Welder/Fabricator – Defence Manufacturing (Aluminium Fabrication)
Stockport | £19.97 per hour | Permanent
A long-established UK defence engineering manufacturer with over a century of innovation is expanding its North West Centre of Excellence — and looking for skilled MIG Welder/Fabricators to join the team.
Recognised globally for delivering high-integrity military systems across land, maritime and aerospace programmes, this business operates at the forefront of defence manufacturing. You’ll be working on complex aluminium structures and assemblies in a modern, safety-driven production environment where quality, accuracy and traceability are non-negotiable. This is a welding and fabrication role — you’ll need to be confident and capable across both.
The Role
Working from engineering drawings, welding procedures and work instructions, you’ll fabricate, assemble and weld low-volume, high-value aluminium components to strict quality and dimensional standards.
• Health & Safety Compliance — Working safely at all times in line with SHE policies, regulations and 5S standards
• Fabrication — Marking out, cutting, forming and assembling aluminium components prior to welding
• Welding Preparation — Planning welding activity, identifying hazards and preparing materials, consumables and equipment
• Aluminium MIG Welding — Carrying out high-quality MIG welding of aluminium assemblies to required standards and specifications
• Dimensional Accuracy — Ensuring fabricated and welded assemblies meet drawing requirements and dimensional tolerances
• Quality Inspection — Conducting visual inspections and supporting NDT activities where required
• Material Preparation — Preparing surfaces, removing defects and completing finishing operations using manual and powered tools
• Post-Weld Finishing — Dressing welds, removing temporary fixtures and preparing assemblies for downstream operations
• Crane & Lifting Operations — Carrying out lifting and handling tasks safely in line with authorised procedures
• Production Documentation — Completing manufacturing records, quality documentation and production bookings via SAP or MRP systems
• Continuous Improvement — Supporting lean manufacturing, workplace organisation and CI initiatives
• Qualification Testing — Completing and maintaining welding qualifications and training requirements as required
What We’re Looking For
• Minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Welding, Fabrication or a related engineering discipline
• At least 12 months’ welding and fabrication experience in manufacturing, aerospace, defence, rail, marine or a similarly regulated environment
• Strong MIG welding experience on aluminium materials
• Confident fabrication skills including marking out, cutting, forming and assembly
• Able to work accurately from engineering drawings, welding procedures and manufacturing documentation
• Understanding of weld quality standards, distortion control and fabrication techniques
• Experience with a range of fabrication and workshop equipment
• Knowledge of quality systems and manufacturing best practice
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and right-first-time manufacturing
• Previous experience in defence, aerospace or other highly regulated industries is advantageous
What’s on Offer
• £19.97 per hour
• Pension: 4% employee / 7% employer contribution
• Half-day Fridays
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay, increasing with service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional holiday entitlement and long-service rewards
• Wellbeing initiatives including health and engagement programmes
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Free on-site parking
A permanent opportunity with a world-class defence manufacturer — precision aluminium fabrication and welding on high-value programmes that genuinely matter, backed by over a century of engineering excellence.
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