Lead Engineer

NP Aerospace, Ltd.; Coventry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Flexible start times

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Defence sector pension

Life cover

Health plan

Career development

Global opportunities

Job summary

NP Aerospace, Coventry, is seeking a Lead Engineer to take technical ownership of military vehicle systems, guiding projects from concept through validated design and ensuring performance, reliability and safety in demanding environments.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, translate complex requirements into manufacturable solutions, manage change, support prototype builds and engage with UK MoD programmes.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electro‑mechanical system design.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and applying design standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques (machining, fabrication, composites, etc.).
• Experience with configuration management and engineering change control.
• Solid understanding of systems engineering principles.
• Proven problem‑solving capability with a focus on real‑world performance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical teams.
• Experience in defence, aerospace or automotive engineering environments.
• Experience designing or supporting military vehicle systems or subsystems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and/or CAE tools.
• Experience working with UK MoD programmes or defence standards.
• Experience supporting bids, proposals or complex programme delivery.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC).

Responsibilities

• Take full technical ownership of assigned vehicle system projects, ensuring designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards and performance expectations.
• Lead engineering activities from concept through to validation, end‑to‑end responsibility across the full product lifecycle.
• Guide and support design teams, translating requirements into manufacturable solutions and controlling design changes.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality teams to resolve issues, support prototype builds and lead validation activities.
• Engage directly with customers, contributing to technical reviews, bid activity and project delivery.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Mechanical design

ECM/Systems engineering

3D CAD/CAE tools

UK MoD programmes

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

3D CAD tools

Job description

Location: Coventry, UK (Foleshill Enterprise Park) Core Hours: 08:00–16:35 (Mon–Thu) | 08:00–15:10 (Fri) Vacancy Type: Full-time, 6 month FTC and onsite (potential hybrid working subject to operational needs) Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (subject to experience) + bonus + benefits

About the role

Lead engineering that directly impacts frontline capability.

We’re looking for a Lead Engineer to take technical ownership of military vehicle systems, supporting major defence programmes and next‑generation mobility solutions. This is a key role where you’ll lead engineering delivery from concept through to validated design, ensuring performance, reliability and safety in some of the most demanding environments.

You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, influencing teams and delivering real‑world outcomes. Working across high‑profile programmes including support to the UK MoD protected mobility fleet, you’ll play a central role in shaping how our vehicle systems are designed, developed and delivered. If you want your work to genuinely protect lives, this could be the perfect role for you.

What you’ll get in return

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• 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

In this role, you’ll take full technical ownership of assigned vehicle system projects, ensuring designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards and operational performance expectations. You’ll lead engineering activities from early concept through to validation, giving you end‑to‑end responsibility and visibility across the full product lifecycle.

You’ll guide and support design teams, helping translate complex requirements into practical, manufacturable solutions. This will strengthen your leadership capability while allowing you to influence design decisions, manage engineering change and ensure solutions balance performance, cost and manufacturability.

You’ll work closely with Production and Quality teams to resolve issues, support prototype builds and lead validation activities. This gives you hands‑on involvement in real‑world engineering challenges while building your experience across testing, integration and continuous improvement.

You’ll also engage directly with customers, contributing to technical reviews, bid activity and project delivery. This provides exposure to customer‑facing engineering, helping you develop commercial awareness and the ability to communicate complex technical solutions clearly.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with leadership capability and a practical engineering mindset. You’ll ideally have:

• Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or related discipline
• Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electro‑mechanical system design
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and applying design standards
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques (machining, fabrication, composites, etc.)
• Experience with configuration management and engineering change control
• Solid understanding of systems engineering principles
• Proven problem‑solving capability with a focus on real‑world performance
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical teams
• Experience in defence, aerospace or automotive engineering environments
• Experience designing or supporting military vehicle systems or subsystems
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and/or CAE tools
• Experience working with UK MoD programmes or defence standards
• Experience supporting bids, proposals or complex programme delivery
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC)

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 deliver highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s most respected defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years and continues to expand 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.

Please note

Successful candidates will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and pass necessary checks before employment.