Engineering Manager

Holt Engineering; Horsham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Engineering in Horsham is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing mechanical engineering team working on advanced electro‑mechanical systems for surveillance, fire‑control, and radar positioning applications.

The role requires a strong mechanical design background, people management skills, and a strategic, innovative mindset to guide the team through full lifecycle from concept to delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree required in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience designing and delivering complex mechanisms and structures.
• Proven leadership experience managing projects and people.
• Strong design analysis and performance calculations, including FEA.
• Experience designing equipment for harsh or demanding environments.
• Confident in bids and engaging with customers on new business opportunities.
• Track record in innovation and concept development.
• Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques including machining, sheet metal forming, casting, fabrication, and moulding.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
• Provide technical guidance on complex engineering challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement across tools, training, and engineering processes.
• Monitor team performance and support staff development through 1:1s and mentoring.
• Support sales activity by defining mechanical requirements, developing concept solutions, and contributing to bids and estimates.
• Collaborate with systems, software, electronics, and electrical teams for smooth integration.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

FEA

SolidWorks

PDM

Bids and estimates

Team mentorship

Innovation

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Engineering Manager

Location: Horsham

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 DOE

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to join a high-performing engineering team in Horsham. This is a senior leadership role within a defence-focused environment, offering the opportunity to lead talented mechanical engineers working on advanced electro‑mechanical systems for surveillance, fire‑control, and radar positioning applications.

This role will suit a confident technical leader who can combine strong mechanical design expertise with people management, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation. You will be responsible for guiding the team through the full system lifecycle, from concept and analysis through to design, delivery, and continuous improvement.

The role

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex engineering challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement across tools, training, and engineering processes.
• Monitor team performance and support staff development through regular 1:1s, mentoring, and personal development planning.
• Support sales activity by defining mechanical requirements, developing concept solutions, and contributing to bids and estimates.
• Work with Integrated Portfolio Teams to manage resources and support recruitment planning.
• Collaborate with systems, software, electronics, and electrical teams to ensure smooth integration.
• Contribute to engineering strategy, team objectives, and long‑term planning.
• Keep the business informed of emerging technologies and industry developments.
• Ensure all design activity meets safety, regulatory, and defence industry requirements.

The ideal candidate

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience designing and delivering complex mechanisms and structures.
• Proven leadership experience managing projects and people.
• Strong background in design analysis and performance calculations, including FEA.
• Experience designing equipment for harsh or demanding environments.
• Confident working on bids and engaging with customers on new business opportunities.
• Strong track record in innovation and concept development.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques including machining, sheet metal forming, casting, fabrication, and moulding.
• Experience with electromechanical drive mechanisms such as motors, gearboxes, and ballscrews.
• Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical components.
• Experience using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.

What’s on offer

• Salary of £80,000 - £85,000 DOE.
• Senior leadership opportunity with real influence over engineering direction.
• Chance to work on advanced defence systems with world‑class applications.
• Collaborative environment with scope to lead, develop, and innovate.
• Opportunity to shape engineering capability and support business growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering leader looking to take ownership of a technically challenging and high‑impact role in a dynamic environment.