Chief Technician- Solid Rocket Motors

We are seeking an experienced Chief Technician – Solid Rocket Motors to lead precision metal fabrication, CNC machining and mechanical assembly operations supporting solid rocket motor (SRM) development programmes within the aerospace and defence sector.

This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role responsible for overseeing the manufacture of critical metallic components, including motor cases, bulkheads, closures, nozzle components and igniter hardware. The successful candidate will serve as the primary manufacturing authority on the workshop floor, ensuring that all components meet engineering drawing specifications, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements, dimensional accuracy and material traceability standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Precision Machining & Metal Fabrication

• Lead metal fabrication, machining and manufacturing operations for solid rocket motor components, including motor cases, bulkheads, forward and aft closures, nozzle metallic components and igniter bodies.
• Set up, programme and operate CNC lathes, milling machines, drilling equipment and machining centres to manufacture precision components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and GD&T requirements to ensure dimensional accuracy and manufacturing compliance.
• Oversee relevant manufacturing processes, including flow forming, tube spinning, forging, ring rolling, heat treatment, welding, brazing and surface treatment.
• Develop machining strategies, tooling setups, fixtures and process sheets to support repeatable prototype and pre-production manufacturing.

2. Workshop Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor and develop machinist technicians, allocating workloads and ensuring effective execution of manufacturing activities.
• Establish safe working practices and enforce workshop procedures, equipment safety standards and operational discipline.
• Provide technical guidance on machining methods, tooling selection, process optimisation and complex manufacturing challenges.
• Promote a culture of precision, accountability, quality and continuous improvement.

3. Quality Assurance & Dimensional Inspection

• Ensure all manufactured components conform to engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, surface finish requirements and material specifications.
• Lead in-process and final dimensional inspections using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), micrometres, bore gauges and other precision metrology equipment.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, material traceability documentation and first-article inspection reports (FAIRs).
• Investigate manufacturing non-conformances, conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace quality management standards, including AS9100 or equivalent systems.

4. Manufacturing Planning & Supplier Management

• Manage prototype manufacturing schedules, monitor component status and identify production risks or potential delays.
• Coordinate outsourced machining and fabrication activities, including requests for quotation (RFQs), supplier capability reviews and acceptance of delivered components.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to procure appropriate raw materials and verify material certification and traceability before production.
• Escalate technical issues, non-conformances and schedule risks to the relevant engineering and programme stakeholders.

5. Design for Manufacturing & Engineering Support

• Review engineering designs for manufacturability and assembly feasibility, providing practical feedback on tolerances, materials, surface treatments and component interfaces.
• Work with design engineers to identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce machining complexity and optimise production costs.
• Support mechanical assembly and integration of metallic subassemblies, including nozzle components, igniter mounting hardware, bulkhead fittings and pressure ports.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of manufacturing procedures, work instructions, tooling documentation and process standards.

6. Workshop Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain workshop tooling inventories, equipment readiness and machine calibration schedules.
• Enforce 5S workplace organisation and established health and safety requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, reduce scrap rates, minimise rework and optimise machining costs.
• Support the implementation of improved manufacturing processes across prototype and pre-production activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Precision Engineering or a related discipline.
• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering would be advantageous.
• 15+ years of hands-on experience in precision metal parts manufacturing within aerospace, defence or high-performance mechanical engineering environments.
• At least 5 years in a senior machinist, lead technician or equivalent technical leadership position , with direct responsibility for CNC turning and milling operations involving pressure-vessel or structural components.
• Demonstrated experience machining rocket motor hardware or comparable high-consequence components, such as motor cases, nozzle bodies, bulkheads and closures.
• Proven ability to lead workshop manufacturing activities and supervise technical personnel.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced proficiency in CNC turning, milling, drilling, machining-center operations and associated tooling setups.
• Ability to programme and operate CNC lathes and machining centres.
• Advanced understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications.
• Specialist knowledge of precision metrology and dimensional inspection, including CMM operation and precision gauging.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, including steel, aluminium, titanium and nickel-based superalloys.
• Working knowledge of aerospace quality management systems, such as AS9100, and first-article inspection processes.
• Experience with manufacturing process documentation, inspection records, material certification and traceability.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience machining difficult-to-cut aerospace alloys, including D6AC and 4340 high-strength steels, titanium alloys and nickel superalloys such as Inconel.
• Experience with flow forming, tube spinning, forging, ring rolling and heat treatment processes.
• Familiarity with pressure-vessel manufacturing requirements, leak testing and mechanical assembly torque/preload procedures.
• Experience with CAM software, such as Mastercam or Fusion 360.
• Relevant certifications in CMM operation, non-destructive testing (MT/PT), aerospace welding or joining processes.

#J-18808-Ljbffr