Welding Engineer - Contract
Location: Titchfield (moving to Daedalus site)
Contract Length: 12-18 months
Rate: PAYE
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Welding Engineer to take technical ownership of aerospace welding operations during a critical period of compliance recovery and facility transition.
Following a recent NADCAP pre‑audit, several gaps have been identified in welding process control, documentation, qualification management, and shop‑floor discipline. This role will lead the technical reset needed to restore accreditation readiness, strengthen process robustness, and embed best‑in‑class special process standards.
The Welding Engineer will also play a key part in supporting the move to the new Daedalus facility, ensuring all welding processes are validated, controlled, and ready for production from day one. The successful contractor will also support the upskilling of the permanent team during this period of capability growth.
Key Responsibilities
NADCAP & Compliance Leadership
- Lead the recovery and sustainment of NADCAP Welding Accreditation.
- Own the closure of pre‑audit findings and delivery of systemic corrective actions.
- Strengthen and implement robust process control systems, including:
- WPS/PQR creation, qualification, and lifecycle management
- Welder qualification records and requalification
- Equipment validation, calibration, and maintenance controls
- Consumable and environmental control
- Welding data sheet accuracy and substantiation reports
- Associated procedures and governance
- Conduct internal audits and readiness reviews.
- Act as the primary technical contact for NADCAP auditors.
Process Engineering & Technical Authority
- Provide technical ownership of TIG, Resistance, and/or Electron Beam (EB) welding processes for aerospace components.
- Develop, qualify, and optimise welding procedures in accordance with aerospace standards.
- Lead root cause investigations into weld defects including porosity, cracking, distortion, and inclusions.
- Improve first‑time‑right performance and reduce scrap, rework, and concessions.
- Define and implement robust process monitoring and control methodologies.
Facility Transition - Daedalus
- Support the layout of welding equipment, utilities specification, and environmental control requirements.
- Validate welding capability and process integrity following relocation.
- Ensure all welding processes are fully risk‑assessed, documented, and production‑ready.
- Support industrialisation activity and production ramp‑up at the new site.
Continuous Improvement & Workforce Development
- Elevate shop‑floor welding standards, discipline, and technical capability.
- Mentor welders, junior engineers, and relevant support teams.
- Work closely with Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to embed sustainable improvements.
- Drive simplification and clarity across welding documentation and workflow.
Essential Requirements
- Degree or equivalent experience in Welding Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Qualification from TWI or equivalent welding engineering certification.
- Strong background in aerospace welding and special process control.
- Demonstrated experience supporting or leading NADCAP welding accreditation.
- Proven ability to close audit findings and implement long‑term corrective actions.
- Hands‑on knowledge of TIG, EB, or Resistance welding processes.
- Strong understanding of metallurgical principles and weld defect mechanisms.
- Experience working within a regulated aerospace or high‑integrity environment.
Desirable
- IWE (International Welding Engineer) qualification.
- Experience supporting site moves, facility transitions, or production transfers.
- Background in high‑reliability or safety‑critical components.
- Knowledge of automation or orbital welding systems.
Why This Role Is Critical
- The permanent team is strengthening, and this role will help accelerate capability growth.
- The site transition to Daedalus requires strong technical leadership to ensure future compliance and operational excellence.
Additional Information
- Role is inside IR35 and can be engaged on a PAYE basis only.
- You can accrue holiday or have holiday pay advanced into your hourly rate.
- Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK freely and comply with ITAR restrictions.
