Lead Engineer - Military Seating

ZipRecruiter; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of military seating systems. This role involves leading innovative engineering solutions that ensure safety and performance in extreme environments. You will collaborate across departments to meet technical, cost, and quality objectives while managing project timelines. If you are passionate about engineering and want to make a real impact in the defence sector, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values innovation and commitment to excellence in delivering lifesaving solutions.

Benefits

Discretionary Half Year Bonus

25 days Holidays + 8 Bank Holidays

Paid leave for Reservists and Cadets

Pension – 9% combined

Life Cover – 3 x base salary

BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in automotive, aerospace, or defence engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of design and manufacturing techniques for low-to-medium volume production.
• Skilled in using 3D CAD software to interrogate models and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering delivery for assigned projects, ensuring alignment with objectives.
• Interrogate and review 3D models using SolidWorks; experience with Creo is advantageous.
• Generate clear design reports and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

3D CAD Software

Mechanical Engineering

Design and Manufacturing Techniques

Project Management

SolidWorks

Creo

ERP Systems

ISO Standards Compliance

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Windchill

QAD

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Engineer - Military Seating

Job Reports To: Chief Engineer

Department: Composite Armour Systems (CAS)

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: £45,000-£55,000 (subject to experience)

Lead Innovation. Engineer Safety. Support the Mission.

Are you ready to take the lead on engineering solutions that keep personnel safe in the most extreme environments?

As our Lead Engineer (Military Seating), you’ll drive the design, integration, and development of mission-critical seating systems for military platforms. From blast mitigation and ergonomics to safety compliance and customer-driven requirements, you’ll lead the charge in delivering solutions that truly make a difference.

You’ll bring technical expertise, big-picture thinking, and day-to-day leadership to a team focused on performance, quality, and continuous innovation. Working across departments, you’ll ensure our seating solutions meet all relevant standards — on time and on budget.

If you're looking for a role where engineering meets impact, and where your work protects those on the front lines, this could be your next step.

Read on and visit our LinkedIn page to find out more about us!

BENEFITS

• Discretionary Half Year Bonus
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadets to attend yearly training/camp.
• Paid leave for employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined
• Life Cover – 3 x base salary
• BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan

JOB DUTIES

1. Lead the engineering delivery for assigned projects or product lines, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, quality, and timing objectives.
2. Interrogate and review 3D models using SolidWorks; experience with Creo is advantageous.
3. Effectively use PLM systems (preferably Windchill 10.1 or higher); familiarity with EPDM is beneficial.
4. Maintain full control over Bill of Materials (BoM), CAD models, and engineering drawings throughout the product lifecycle.
5. Engineer to defined product targets, including cost, weight, performance, safety, and durability.
6. Support the creation and execution of detailed project timelines and development plans.
7. Ensure designs are optimised for manufacturing and assembly, considering real-world production constraints.
8. Generate clear, structured design reports and present findings to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
9. Take full ownership of product specifications and technical requirements from initial concept to final approval.
10. Collaborate with and manage FEA engineers, ensuring analysis supports robust and validated design outcomes.
11. Experience working with ERP systems such as QAD or SAP is an advantage.
12. Operate in compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.

EXPERIENCE

Experience & Knowledge

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ideally a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards chartered status.
• Proven experience in automotive, aerospace, or defence engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of design and manufacturing techniques for low-to-medium volume production, including welding, fabrication, machining, and composite materials.
• Full lifecycle design experience – from concept development and component/assembly design to detailed engineering drawings.
• Skilled in using 3D CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo) to interrogate models and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of material selection and its application in engineering solutions.
• Familiarity with structural performance assessments and collaboration with FEA engineers.
• Practical understanding of workshop theory and hands-on manufacturing processes.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global armour technology manufacturer and vehicle integrator with high performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to be the best at delivering products and services that bring our loved one's home and this is firmly embedded in our culture.

Our range of combat proven body armour from ballistic helmets, plates and shields to bomb disposal suits contains some of the most advanced composite materials and we have a team of R&D engineers working to develop next generation solutions. Our expertise also extends to highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

NP Aerospace was originally established in 1926 and has served the defence industry for over 40 years, growing into an agile and diverse company with an expanding Business Development team both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of , colour, national , , , , , sexual , or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

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 before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.