Project Engineer - Physical Architecture Lead

Lockheed Martin; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, is seeking an experienced Project Engineer - Physical Architecture Lead to drive the physical architecture across our defence programmes. You will oversee a multi-disciplinary IPT, shaping requirements and delivering robust mechanical, electrical and integration solutions.

This hands-on role covers design, tests and delivery, with emphasis on PDR/CDR, safety standards and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating physical architecture across mechanical, electrical and integration disciplines.
• Proven track record delivering design solutions through PDR/CDR processes.
• Experience with heavy vehicle or automotive platforms preferred.
• Ability to obtain high-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Physical Architecture of assigned projects, aligning with technical, safety, and quality standards.
• Define technical requirements translating customer needs into robust engineering solutions.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure design coherence and successful integration.
• Provide technical support during build, commissioning and in-service phases.
• Lead design reviews and verification activities.
• Liaise with project leads, suppliers and internal stakeholders for effective communication.

Skills

Physical Architecture

Mechanical Design

Systems Integration

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Security Clearance

Education

Degree from accredited college

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Project Engineer - Physical Architecture Lead to join our Special Projects Team in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. You will play a key role in the delivery of a complex engineering project that supports some of the UK’s most advanced defence capabilities.

This is a hands‑on role, and you will be responsible for supporting the full engineering lifecycle – from shaping technical requirements and developing design solutions through to integration, testing and delivery. You will be overseeing a predominantly Mechanical, Electrical and Integration & Test team, managing the physical architecture, systems integration, mechanical design background ideally.

Working within a multi‑disciplined Integrated Project Team (IPT), you will collaborate with engineers, project managers and key stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, determined and committed and a confident self‑starter. They will be a team player with ability to work in a multi‑functional organisation, coupled with excellent communication skills and stakeholder management ability.

Reporting to the Chief Engineer on programme, this is the Physical Architecture Lead role.

Although predominately Mechanical Design based, the need to coordinate/manage the other skills required to complete the Physical Architecture of the systems will be required.

Ideally using an Automotive, Heavy Vehicle background and experience, plus proven management skills, taking the Systems Architecture and delivering a Design Solution through both Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Desing Review (CDR) that meets all the Customer requirements.

A key requirement of this role is the ability to obtain and maintain a high‑level security clearance. If you do not currently hold the required clearance, we can support you through the application process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the Physical Architecture of assigned projects, ensuring alignment with technical, safety, and quality standards.
• Define and interpret technical requirements, translating customer needs into robust engineering solutions.
• Product and maintain design documentation, drawings, specifications and test plans.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams including systems, mechanical, materials, electrical, integration and test engineers to ensure design coherence and successful integration.
• Provide technical support during build, commissioning, and in‑service phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure all engineering activities complies with Defence Standards, quality management systems and Health and Safety regulations.
• Support the Project Chief Engineer to undertake any assigned engineering assignments and investigations.
• Support both the assigned Programme Engineering Manager and Project Chief Engineer in technical planning, progress reporting, and risk management.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, verification, validation and configuration management activities.
• Liaise with project leads, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective technical communications throughout the project.

Required skills, qualifications and experience:

Although predominately Mechanical Design based, the need to coordinate/manage the other skills required to complete the Physical Architecture of the systems will be required.

Ideally using an Automotive, Heavy Vehicle background and experience, plus proven management skills, taking the Systems Architecture and delivering a Design Solution through both Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Desing Review (CDR) that meets all the Customer requirements.

Heavy Military Vehicle background (Lorries, heavy end of design, not mechanisms big welded structures), predominantly Mechanical design based, armoured plated structures.

Appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or call 02392 415270.