Coachbuilder

Department: Production
Reports to: Dean Brooking – Production Manager

The Company:

North Defence is a Company currently located in Elland, West Yorkshire, and Steinsel, Luxembourg. Originally founded in the UK under the name North Fire, the Company has built a strong reputation for designing and manufacturing specialist fire and rescue vehicles for demanding operational environments. The Company has now evolved into an innovative manufacturer of specialised vehicles, serving both civil and defence sectors and marking a strategic expansion into light military vehicles and defence mobility solutions. Driven by increasing demand from European Defence, North Defence has recently expanded into Europe, which has further strengthened its position as an international supplier of specialist vehicles for fire, rescue and defence organisations, thereby creating excellent career development opportunities.

Job Summary:

As a Coachbuilder you will work within our Production Team and be responsible for carrying out vehicle conversions to military specifications. The role focuses on modifying, fabricating and assembling vehicle structures, components, internal fixtures and fittings and stowage solutions to meet military and mission specific configurations. Vehicles are converted to provide enhanced durability in the most challenging and demanding environments. The role is critical in ensuring that vehicles operate safely and efficiently, and requires strong
fabrication skills, mechanical aptitude and strict adherence to safety, quality and security standards. The role provides a great opportunity to join a progressing business and the chance of personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

Vehicle Conversions

• Formulating design solutions
• Experienced and confident in safely using shop floor engineering machinery for
  marking, cutting, shaping and forming various materials to high standards and with accuracy
• Fabricate and fit bespoke components, including bulkheads, storage systems, equipment mounts and structural reinforcements
• Installing exterior modifications such as body panels, protective barriers, external racks and custom frameworks
• Working with metals such as aluminium and steel
• Working alongside other specialist technicians, assist with fitting electrical systems and other auxiliary equipment

Quality Assurance

• Follow military build standards
• Inspect completed conversions to ensure compliance with internal quality standards

Technical Documentation

• Read and interpret Technical Drawings and Conversion Build sheets
• Maintain accurate records of all installations, materials used and modifications

Safety & Compliance

• Conform to workplace safety standards in line with ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001
• Adhere to all regulatory and company guidelines
• Work closely with engineers and designers to complete projects to a high standard
• Security-aware mindset; ability to handle sensitive projects

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in vehicle conversions is essential; Defence, Emergency
  Services or specialist vehicle sector
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Coachbuilding, Vehicle Body Building or related discipline
• Strong fabrication and coachbuilding skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD prints and build specifications
• Competence in metalwork, use of workshop tools and machinery
• Proven experience of high workmanship, and attention to detail
• Maintaining and updating records electronically and confident with IT
• Full UK Driving Licence
• A good understanding of quality, health & safety and environmental requirements in the workplace

Preferred

• Previous experience with military, defence or specialised vehicle conversions would be an advantage
• Mechanical or electrical fitting experience a plus
• Willingness to travel to our new production facility in Luxembourg.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits (salary negotiable)
• 25 days holiday, plus statutory and extending holidays for long serving employees
• Corporate Workwear
• Invitation into private health-care plan
• On site parking
• Exposure to advanced defence technologies and programs
• Opportunity for professional development in a strategic industry
• Collaborative and security-focused workplace

North Defence is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of our community.