Join BAE Systems as a Fabricator – Plater in Glasgow, United Kingdom on a full-time, onsite basis. You will interpret engineering drawings, assemble ship structures, and fabricate components for naval ships with a salary of £40,511 plus a 33% shift allowance where applicable.
Requirements
Modern Apprenticeship certificate / Trade Papers and relevant mechanical qualifications (e.g., SVQ3, City & Guilds, or equivalent) required.
Up-to-date fabrication knowledge and hands-on experience in construction or manufacturing environments required.
Compliance with SHE principles, risk-assessment requirements, and experience working safely in confined spaces or at height.
Skills & Responsibilities
Engineering drawings: Interpret blueprints and technical schematics to mark off materials and prepare plates accurately.
Cutting and grinding: Use oxy-fuel and/or plasma cutting equipment and hand grinding to shape components safely and responsibly.
Structural assembly: Build and align ship structures such as shells, decks, bulkheads, and frames using tack welding.
Machine tool operation: Form materials using rolling, flanging, and cutting equipment like guillotines, croppers, and mechanical saws.
Potential transition routes: People from general metalworking, structural engineering, or heavy manufacturing roles may bring transferable welding and fabrication skills, alongside meeting mandatory apprenticeship and safety requirements.
Job description
Job Title: Fabricator – Plater
Location: Glasgow, Govan and Scotstoun, Onsite – Must be able to attend a recruitment day in Glasgow
Salary: £40,511 – plus 33% shift allowance where applicable
Requirements: Modern Apprenticeship / Trade Papers must be provided when submitting your application
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
What you’ll be doing:
Interpret engineering drawings, mark off materials and prepare plate using methods such as oxy‑fuel cutting and hand grinding
Assemble ship structures — including shell, decks, bulkheads, frames and longitudinals — ensuring all components are accurately fitted, faired and tack‑welded
Fabricate ship items such as seats, ladders, false flooring, panels, hatches, watertight doors, equipment seats and flooring systems
Form materials using machine tools, including rolling, flanging and cutting equipment such as guillotines, croppers and mechanical saws
Essential skills:
You are required to hold a Modern Apprenticeship certificate also known as Trade Papers (you will be required to provide these papers on application and in person) and relevant mechanical qualifications (e.g., SVQ3, City & Guilds, or equivalent)
Demonstrating up‑to‑date fabrication knowledge and hands‑on experience in construction or manufacturing environments
Understanding and applying core manufacturing processes and completing tack welding to required safety and quality standards
Demonstrate you are able to operate oxy‑fuel and/or plasma cutting equipment confidently and responsibly
You will follow SHE principles and risk‑assessment requirements in all working conditions
You’ll have experience of working safely in confined spaces or at height, supported by relevant safety certifications
The Fabricator Team:
BAE Systems designs and builds world‑class naval ships and our Fabricator Platers play a vital role in delivering the Type 26 frigates. Working in teams of 6–12, you’ll apply SVQ3‑level training and marine fabrication experience to produce high‑quality steelwork that supports essential defence projects.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 19th November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
