Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Flexible start times

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Pension plan

Life cover

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking a Design Engineer to join the Armoured Vehicles team in Coventry. You will contribute to the design, integration and development of components and systems for armoured vehicle products, using 3D CAD modelling and detailed drawings.

You will work with experienced engineers to ensure targets for cost, weight and strength are met, assess materials and manufacturability, and help plan projects to deliver on time. This role offers career development within a global business.

Qualifications

• A mechanical engineering degree or equivalent.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace or defence engineering.
• Experience in concept creation, design of components and drawings.
• Proficient in 3D CAD modelling and drawings.
• Knowledge of material selection and structural performance.
• Understanding of low- to medium-volume production processes (welding, machining, composites).
• Knowledge of workshop theory and practice.
• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance to at least SC level.
• Desirable: SolidWorks and Creo 6.0+ experience.
• Desirable: PLM software EPDM or Windchill.
• Desirable: FEA collaboration experience.
• Desirable: Chartered Engineer status or progression.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Engineer in delivering project and product-line requirements.
• Create and detail components and assemblies in 3D CAD with accurate drawings.
• Maintain CAD models and Bills of Materials to support engineering and manufacturing.
• Ensure designs meet cost, weight and strength targets and assess materials.
• Contribute to project planning and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with FEA engineers and ensure ISO 9001/14001 compliance.

Skills

Mechanical Eng

Automotive/Defence exp

3D CAD & drawings

Materials selection

Low/Med-volume prod

Problem solving

Security clearance eligible

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Title: Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles Location: Coventry, UK Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon - Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri) Vacancy Type: Permanent, full time and based on-site. Potential hybrid working but subject to operational needs. Salary: £35,000-£45,000 (subject to experience)

About the role

Design engineering that helps improve and protect lives.

At NP Aerospace, we design, develop and deliver advanced armour technology and vehicle integration solutions for the defence and security industry.

We're looking for a Design Engineer to join our Armoured Vehicles engineering team in Coventry. You'll contribute to the design, integration and development of components and systems for our products, supporting armour protection and automotive applications.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll help turn engineering concepts into practical, manufacturable designs. From 3D CAD modelling and detailed engineering drawings to material selection and design optimisation, you'll play an important role in ensuring our products meet demanding requirements for cost, weight, strength and performance.

This is an opportunity to develop your engineering career while contributing to specialist products and solutions that make a real difference.

What you'll get in return

• Performance rewards - discretionary bonus opportunities
• Flex your day - flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
• Time to recharge - 25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Support for Defence - two weeks' paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Future security - competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions
• Peace of mind - life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first - BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us - career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment - a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

What you'll be doing

You'll support the Lead Engineer in delivering project and product-line requirements, contributing to the design, integration and development of components and systems for our armoured vehicle products. Using your 3D CAD skills, you'll create and detail components and assemblies, producing accurate engineering drawings and maintaining CAD models and Bills of Materials (BoMs) to support the engineering and manufacturing process.

A key part of your role will be ensuring that designs meet the appropriate product targets, including cost, weight and strength. You'll assess material options, consider manufacturing and assembly feasibility, and help ensure that designs are practical, effective and suitable for their intended application. You'll also contribute to project planning, helping the team deliver engineering activities to agreed timescales.

Working collaboratively with other engineers, including colleagues specialising in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), you'll support design assessment and development. You'll use relevant engineering systems and processes to maintain accurate technical information and ensure your work complies with applicable ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 procedures.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a technically capable and motivated design engineer who takes pride in producing accurate engineering work. You'll be practical, organised and comfortable working collaboratively to solve problems and develop effective design solutions.

Essential

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, an equivalent qualification or relevant practical experience.
• Experience working within an automotive, aerospace or defence engineering environment.
• Experience in concept creation and development, detailed design of components and assemblies, and engineering drawing production.
• Practical experience creating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of material selection and structural performance assessment.
• An understanding of design and manufacturing techniques for low- to medium-volume production, including processes such as welding, fabrication, machining or composites.
• Knowledge of workshop theory and practice.
• Strong problem-solving, planning and organisational skills.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• A proactive, adaptable approach with a focus on quality, delivery and continuous improvement.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance to at least SC level.

Desirable

• Experience using SolidWorks for solid modelling and detailed design.
• Experience using Creo 6.0 or higher.
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, preferably EPDM, or Windchill 10.1 or higher.
• Experience working with FEA engineers to assess and develop designs.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional registration.
• Existing UK Security Clearance.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

What do we do at NP Aerospace?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication - form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat‑proven body armour - from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits - incorporates some of the most advanced composite materials available. Alongside this, we design and deliver highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world's largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years and continues to grow across the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Data Privacy

NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Please note:

If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin employment with NP Aerospace.