MIG Welder/Fabricator – Defence Manufacturing (Aluminium Fabrication)

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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