Specialist Composite Technician (Drilling and Finishing)

Specialist Composite Technician (Drilling and Finishing)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Specialist Composite Technician (Drilling and Finishing) to support a critical modification programme on a large carbon fibre pressure vessel for a Space programme.

The assignment involves precision drilling, hole enlargement, elongation, defect rectification, and surface finishing activities on a high-performance composite structure manufactured from intermediate modulus carbon fibre prepreg cured in an autoclave environment.

The successful candidate will work alongside an experienced project engineer and must possess a strong practical understanding of carbon fibre drilling techniques, particularly the prevention and control of splintering, fibre breakout, delamination, and other surface or interlaminar defects.

Drilling and Hole Modification

  • Use drilling guides and fixtures to accurately enlarge and modify existing holes.
  • Spot drill holes to Ø5.5 mm.
  • Create internal bevels to Ø6.6 mm.
  • Open holes through to a final diameter of Ø6.4 mm.
  • Elongate each hole by 4 mm towards the polar opening while maintaining dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
  • Continuously inspect hole quality throughout the drilling process.

Composite Defect Control

  • Apply appropriate drilling and grinding techniques to minimise:
  • Fibre breakout
  • Edge splintering
  • Delamination
  • Surface damage
  • Interlaminar defects
  • Select suitable tooling methods for drilling carbon fibre composite materials.
  • Ensure all work meets structural and cosmetic quality requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Proven experience drilling and modifying carbon fibre composite structures.
  • Strong understanding of composite material behaviour during drilling, grinding, and finishing operations.
  • Experience preventing and managing delamination, fibre breakout, and other composite defects.
  • Competence using electric handheld drilling, grinding, and finishing tools.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical instructions, and manufacturing procedures.
  • Experience working to demanding quality standards on structural composite components.
  • Excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and workmanship.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical team environment.
  • Previous experience within aerospace, defence, motorsport, marine, energy, or advanced composite manufacturing sectors is highly desirable.

The role is based closed to Glasgow, and this initial project is for one week only. Remuneration and package will reflect this as well as the skill levels required.

For more information simply apply with your CV. You will be required to highlight your relevant experience during a telephone assessment if your profile is selected.