Master Assembler

Date Posted:

2026-08-27

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down

Position Role Type:

Onsite

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At our Kilkeel Facility, we manufacture aircraft interior seating for a number of worldwide customers. As a leader in the aerospace industry, we have a number of exciting positions available right now, including a Master Assembler in our Seating business located in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate can expect to:
•    Ensure a safe working environment is provided at all times.
•    Create a culture of Continuous Improvement within the area/team.
•    Manage the performance and quality of a team of operators to ensure they meet all Company objectives.
•    Drive quality standards required by the Company and customer.
•    Deliver 100% First Pass Yield for their process.
•    Consistently meeting the takt time in their area.
•    Act as a ‘hands on’ expert, providing guidance and practical assistance to those within the team.
•    Cross-train the team to ensure maximum flexibility and cover.

Main Duties
1. Leading a team
•    Lead, encourage and motivate a team of operators to ensure they understand and attain the necessary operational targets (e.g. Safety, Output, Quality, Delivery and Cost )
•    Manage operator performance on a daily basis, ensuring all operators within the area adhere to company policies/procedures and working instructions/standard work, at all times.
•    Ensure all staff in the area are correctly trained and developed. Assist the Manufacturing Leader/Business Unit Manager in the assessment of performance, the design of training packages and the delivery of ‘on’ and ‘off’ line/section training interventions.
•    Provide mentoring/coaching to those within the team on an on-going basis and give appropriate feedback.
•    Lead Production Walk-About Reviews (WAR) on an ad hoc basis.
•    Ensure good communication throughout all sections and between nightshift and dayshift operations.

2. Implementation of Master Production Plan
•    Prepare, maintain & execute the most cost effective build plan to support the kitting schedule which supports production build. 
•    Organise rotas to ensure appropriate deployment of staff, ensuring OT is planned and all activities within the area (e.g. 5S’s, Training, Improvement teams) are efficiently organised.
•    Make necessary adjustments to the assembly section/processes and resources in the event of incomplete/inaccurate information/parts.

3. Process Knowledge & Practical Skills
•    Effectively operate (only if trained) all machines within the designated area/unit
•    Proficient in the use of a range of IT packages (e.g. Excel, Microsoft packages).
•    Perform basic mathematical calculations (e.g. calculate start/finish times for specific jobs, takt time etc).

4. Environmental, Health & Safety
•    Possess a working knowledge of Environmental, Health & Safety policies, ensuring these are adhered to at all times.
•    Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to eliminate. For longer term actions ensure containment is in place.
•    Participate fully in a number of H&S activities (e.g., Risk Assessments, Health & Safety meetings) and implement required actions.
•    Engage in regular hazard/danger spotting and proactively work to eliminate hazards.
•    Conduct ongoing inspection of tooling for worn / damaged parts.

5. Improvement Activity
•    Lead the creation of a culture of Continuous Improvement within the team.
•    Lead improvement teams (e.g., Kaizen and problem solving activities), when required and promote a lean manufacturing culture.
•    Ensure process problems are thoroughly investigated and all improvements are identified, implemented and documented.
•    Conduct daily 5S and standard work audits.

6. Information gathering/sharing
•    Complete all specified documentation to ensure individuals receive the information they require in order to perform their job effectively.
•    Deliver effective daily team briefs as required
•    Attend and provide constructive input at meetings (e.g. daily production meeting, departmental meeting, quality meetings etc).
•    Liaise with a variety of job holders, across a range of departments (e.g. Quality, Engineering, Planning, EHS etc) and different levels (shop floor through to senior management) for the purpose of giving/receiving information which is vital for the smooth running of the plant.

The Person
•    Collaborates
Building partnerships and working together with others for the greater good
•    Communicates Effectively
Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
•    Courage
Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
•    Customer Focus
Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
•    Develops Talent
Taking an active role in the growth of yourself and others to meet both career and organizational goals
•    Drives Results
Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances and empowers others to do the same.
•    Instills Trust
Gaining the confidence of others through integrity, credibility, and authenticity
•    Strategic Vision
Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.

What you need to succeed? 

Essential Criteria:
•    Have a minimum of 12 months’ assembly / production / logistics / manufacturing experience gained in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
•    Continuous Improvement/Lean Manufacturing experience.
•    Proven ability to train others
•    Computer Literate / IT skills, competent with a range of IT packages (e.g. Microsoft packages).
Desirable Criteria
•    Previous relevant experience of leading a team in a work environment.
•    Problem solving skills, e.g. 3Cs.

How to apply: 
Please note, it is the candidate’s responsibility to clearly outline how they meet the criteria required for this role.
Collins Aerospace is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Benefits: 
People are core to what we do. As such, we are committed to providing an industry leading benefits package. We offer a highly competitive salary, annual bonus, and many other benefits to include:
•    25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays
•    Attractive Compensation Package
•    Early finish Fridays
•    Hybrid Work Options (*Role dependent)
•    Professional Development + Growth
•    Support with professional fees
•    EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
•    Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan)
•    Staff Discounts
•    Work/Life Balance
•    Wellness Programs
•    Employee Recognition
•    Employee Referral Bonus
•    Free onsite parking
•    Death in Service Benefit
•    Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
•    Opportunities for progression and development

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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