Fabricator – Plater
About this role
Job Advertisement: Fabricator – Plater
Agency Partner: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: BAE Systems Naval Ships
Location: Glasgow (Govan and Scotstoun, On-site – Applicants must be able to attend a recruitment day in Glasgow)
Position Type: Permanent Experienced Professional Contract
Salary: £40,016 per annum (Plus 33% shift allowance where applicable)
Shift Patterns: Available across Days (Mon–Thu, 07:00–16:30), Nights (Mon–Thu, 20:30–06:00), and Weekends (Fri–Sun, 07:00–19:30)
Application Closing Date: 2nd October 2026 (Note: Vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received)
About the Opportunity
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with BAE Systems—a global leader in defence, aerospace, and security—to source an experienced and skilled Fabricator – Plater for a permanent career opportunity in Glasgow.
As part of a dedicated team helping to deliver the Type 26 frigates, you will play a hands-on role in producing high-quality steelwork and ship structures for world-class naval vessels. This permanent position offers an extraordinary platform to showcase your marine fabrication craftsmanship within a major industrial environment.
Role Overview
Working on-site across Govan and Scotstoun, you will interpret engineering drawings, mark off materials, and prepare plates using oxy-fuel cutting and hand grinding. You will assemble ship structures and fabricate critical items such as ladders, false flooring, watertight doors, and equipment seats.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Drawing Interpretation & Preparation: Interpret engineering drawings, mark off materials, and prepare plates using methods such as oxy-fuel cutting and hand grinding.
Structural Assembly: Assemble ship structures—including shell, decks, bulkheads, frames, and longitudinals—ensuring all components are accurately fitted, faired, and tack-welded.
Item Fabrication: Fabricate vital ship items such as seats, ladders, false flooring, panels, hatches, watertight doors, equipment seats, and flooring systems.
Material Forming: Form materials using machine tools, including rolling, flanging, and cutting equipment such as guillotines, croppers, and mechanical saws.
Safety & Compliance: Follow SHE principles and risk-assessment requirements, operating cutting equipment confidently while working safely in confined spaces or at height.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Apprenticeship / Certification: Hold a Modern Apprenticeship certificate / Trade Papers and relevant mechanical qualifications (e.g., SVQ3, City & Guilds, or equivalent). (Note: Modern Apprenticeship / Trade Papers must be provided when submitting your application and in person).
Industry Experience: Demonstrable up-to-date fabrication knowledge and hands-on experience in construction or manufacturing environments, particularly marine fabrication.
Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate oxy-fuel and/or plasma cutting equipment confidently, apply manufacturing processes, and complete tack welding to rigorous safety and quality standards.
Working Arrangement: Full on-site presence in Glasgow (Govan/Scotstoun), with the ability to attend an in-person recruitment day.
Security Clearance: All applicants must achieve, as a minimum, the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Note: Due to security and export control restrictions, candidates must meet national identity, birthplace, and residency criteria (typically requiring continuous UK residency of 5 to 10 years for higher-level national security vetting).
Why Join BAE Systems?
Meaningful Impact: Build a career with purpose, contributing to advanced technology-led solutions that protect what matters most and shape a safer future.
Professional Growth: Access first-class training, coaching, and career development programs designed to support your potential.
Wellbeing & Rewards: Enjoy a competitive salary of £40,016 (plus up to 33% shift allowance), alongside flexible benefits tailored to support your financial and personal wellbeing.
Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an environment that champions diversity, sustainable working practices, and a strong sense of shared purpose within a global workforce of over 110,000 colleagues.