Principal Engineer

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Flexible start/finish times

Holiday allowance

Pension plan

Life insurance

Health plan

Career development

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across Protected Mobility programmes, guiding systems engineering from concept through production. You will collaborate with Chief Engineer, programme teams, and customers to deliver technically robust vehicle solutions.

The role covers requirements flow-down, architecture development, and technology assessment, with extensive interaction with suppliers and internal reviews.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven experience leading activities on engineering development programmes.
• Strong requirements development experience, including DOORS.
• Proven system design and analysis experience using a SysML tool.
• Experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors through design, integration, test and acceptance.
• Ability to create and maintain high‑quality technical documentation.
• Ability to lead or support the development of technical standards and guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent customer relationship skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and potentially overseas.
• Ability to hold UK Security Clearance (SC).

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering leadership across Protected Mobility programmes.
• Analyse and flow down system requirements, develop specifications and functional architectures.
• Assess competing technologies, identify viable solutions and shape technical standards.
• Work with subcontractors through design, integration, test and acceptance.
• Contribute to internal and external design reviews and brief senior leadership.
• Take ownership to drive complex technical issues to resolution.
• Contribute to innovation and continued development of NP Aerospace's systems engineering capability.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Requirements development

SysML

Lifecycle management

Subcontractor management

Technical documentation

Technical standards

Verbal and written communication

Influencing & negotiation

Travel willingness

UK Security Clearance (SC)

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

DOORS

SysML tool

Job description

Job Title: Principal Engineer

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon-Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).

Vacancy Type: Full-time, 3-6 month FTC with possible extensions and onsite

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (subject to experience) + discretionary bonuses

About the role

At NP Aerospace, we're looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across our Protected Mobility programmes.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of some of our most complex engineering challenges, bringing together systems engineering, vehicle technology and armour expertise to develop solutions for demanding defence applications.

You’ll work across the full engineering lifecycle from concept and requirements through design, integration, testing and into production while providing technical direction to engineering teams, suppliers and customers.

If you’re an experienced systems or vehicle engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical decisions and seeing your engineering work translated into real‑world military capability, this is a role where you can make a genuine impact.

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

You’ll provide systems engineering leadership across Protected Mobility programmes, working closely with our Chief Engineer, Programme teams, engineering specialists and customers to develop balanced, technically robust vehicle solutions.

You’ll analyse and flow down system and sub‑system requirements, develop specifications and functional architectures, and support the implementation of design solutions. You’ll also assess competing technologies, identify viable solutions and help shape technical standards and guidelines across the business.

A key part of the role will be working with subcontractors and suppliers throughout design, integration, test and acceptance, ensuring technical requirements are understood and delivered. You’ll also contribute to internal and external design reviews and provide clear technical briefings to senior leadership.

You’ll work across the complete engineering lifecycle, supporting systems engineering integration and test, manufacturing builds and issue resolution. This is a role where you’ll be expected to take ownership, bring people together and drive complex technical issues through to resolution.

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to innovation and the continued development of NP Aerospace’s systems engineering capability.

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 we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced engineer who can combine strong systems engineering capability with technical leadership, commercial awareness and the confidence to influence customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders.

Essential

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline
• Proven experience leading activities on engineering development programmes
• Strong requirements development experience, including DOORS
• Proven system design and analysis experience using a SysML tool
• Experience working across the full systems engineering lifecycle
• Proven experience managing subcontractors through design, integration, test and acceptance
• Ability to create and maintain high‑quality technical documentation
• Ability to lead or support the development of technical standards and guidelines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Excellent customer relationship skills
• Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and potentially overseas
• Ability to hold UK Security Clearance (SC)

Desirable

• Experience working on large defence systems or protected mobility programmes
• Automotive experience, particularly in:
• Hydraulic systems such as brakes and steering
• Driveline development including gearboxes, differentials and driveshafts
• Vehicle structures and structural body systems
• Chassis systems including wheel ends, hubs, bearings and ball joints
• Familiarity with Defence Standards, Military Standards and EC Directives
• Appreciation of the Defence Lines of Development (DLODs)
• Chartered Engineer status or membership at CEng level with a UK professional engineering institution such as IET or IMechE

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, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next‑generation solutions, we also excel in 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, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in 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. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, 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 and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.