Fitter Welder Fabricator

Job title: Fitter Welder Fabricator

Location: Ashford, Kent

Salary: Competitive

Hours: Full-time, permanent

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Fitter Welder Fabricator to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Production Team.  QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC, specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems, including the world-leading Banshee target.

QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over 40 countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over 15 of these countries.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Mechanical Production Supervisor, you will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly, fitting, and welding of ferrous and non-ferrous metal components in accordance with drawings, quality standards, and production requirements. The role ensures that all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards while supporting continuous improvement.

Duties will include:

• Manufacture, fabricate, and assemble ferrous and non-ferrous metal components and structures to specification


• Read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication diagrams, and technical specifications


• Carry out MIG, TIG, and Electric Arc welding to required standards and quality expectations


• Prepare materials for fabrication and welding, including cutting, grinding, drilling, shaping, and fitting


• Operate fabrication machinery and workshop equipment safely and effectively, including guillotines, folders, drills, and associated tools


• Inspect fabricated and welded components to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance with quality requirements


• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing methods, efficiency, quality, and product functionality


• Ensure all work is completed in line with production schedules, engineering requirements, and quality standards


• Identify and report defects, equipment faults, material issues, and non-conformances promptly


• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, quality, and operational performance


• Maintain compliance with Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments, safe systems of work, and company procedures

What do I need?

You will have sound knowledge of fabrication, fitting, and welding processes, including MIG and TIG and ideally be qualified to NVQ level 2 in Welding & Fabrication or Engineering.

You’ll be a team player and have knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments, safe systems of work, and PPE requirements within a manufacturing environment.

We also ask that you have:

• the ability to read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, technical specifications, and fabrication diagrams


• an understanding of metal properties and the fabrication of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials


• knowledge of workshop machinery, fabrication equipment, and hand tools, including safe operation and maintenance


• an understanding of quality standards, inspection techniques, and dimensional tolerances


• good communication skills

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of exciting defence-based projects, with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.

You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive, as we constantly review what’s happening in the market.

The range of benefits we offer include ample holiday entitlements, generous employer pension contributions, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, and the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance, plus much more.

Please note that applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage early applications. This vacancy will be closed when sufficient suitable applications are received.