Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

 

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

The Role

As an Aircraft Fitter at GKN Fokker in Papendrecht, you won’t just assemble parts — you’ll help build the core structures that keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently. From scratch-built fuselage sections to precision-engineered wing components, your craftsmanship will directly impact some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, including the Golfstream, Airbus A350, and NH90 helicopter.

You'll join a state-of-the-art production site where around 1,000 colleagues work in a high-tech, collaborative environment. This is the beating heart of GKN Fokker Aerostructures — a place where precision, teamwork, and passion for aviation come together.

What You’ll Do

As an Aircraft Fitter, you’ll be working on the structural foundation of aircraft — assembling critical parts like wings, fuselages, engine nacelles, floors, doors, spars, and beams. Your responsibilities include:

Selecting and preparing all necessary components for structural assembly Cleaning and inspecting tools and equipment before and after use Ensuring accurate documentation and part coding throughout the process Assembling complex metal structures to meet strict customer and aerospace standards Conducting visual and measurement checks to ensure top-tier quality Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace Actively participating in continuous improvement and team initiatives

Whether you're building new aerostructures from the ground up or helping refine existing processes — your work truly matters here.

What You Bring

To succeed in this role, you’ll have:

A vocational (MBO) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metalworking, or a related technical field Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (aerospace experience is a strong plus) The ability to read and interpret technical documentation and assembly drawings A proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality Willingness to work in shifts Good verbal and written communication skills in English What We Offer

When you join GKN Fokker, you become part of a company with over 100 years of experience in aerospace innovation. We offer:

A dynamic and collaborative working environment A comprehensive onboarding program Opportunities for personal and professional growth Competitive salary and benefits under the Metalektro CLA, including: 40 paid days off (27 vacation + 13 ADV days) Holiday allowance Pension scheme Travel reimbursement Ready to Take Off?

Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your application.

For questions about the role, feel free to reach out to our recruiter:
Daniel van Miltenburg – daniel.vanmiltenburg@fokker.com

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

 

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

 

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​
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