Lead Engineer

Job Description:

Job Title:​Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles
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)

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About the role

​Lead engineering that protects lives.

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We’re looking for a Lead Engineer – Armoured Vehicles to guide the development of complex vehicle systems and armour protection solutions used in demanding defence environments. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key engineering activities across the product lifecycle, helping turn technical concepts into robust, manufacturable vehicle systems.

You’ll work closely with the Chief Engineer and cross-functional teams to lead design delivery, support product development and ensure engineering solutions meet demanding performance, cost and quality targets. If you enjoy leading technical work, mentoring engineers and seeing your designs delivered on real vehicle platforms, this could be the perfect opportunity.

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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

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What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll lead the engineering delivery of armoured vehicle projects, ensuring systems are designed, integrated and developed to meet demanding performance and safety standards. You’ll guide projects from concept through to final approval, giving you the opportunity to influence how vehicle protection and automotive systems are engineered and delivered.

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You’ll interrogate CAD models and design data using tools such as SolidWorks or Creo, helping refine and optimise designs while maintaining control of Bills of Materials, CAD models and engineering drawings through PLM systems like Windchill. This will allow you to shape design decisions and ensure engineering data is robust and production-ready.

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Working alongside FEA specialists, manufacturing teams and project managers, you’ll ensure designs are practical to manufacture and assemble. This collaboration gives you the chance to influence design feasibility early in the process while strengthening your experience across vehicle integration, materials selection and structural performance.

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You’ll also present design reports and technical updates to internal teams and customers, helping ensure engineering decisions are well understood and aligned with programme goals. Through this work, you’ll play a key role in maintaining NP Aerospace’s reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance vehicle systems.

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What we’re looking for

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We’re looking for someone who combines strong engineering expertise with leadership capability and a practical approach to design and manufacturing. Ideally you will have:

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent practical experience

• Experience working in automotive, aerospace or defence engineering environments

• Strong knowledge of low-to-medium volume manufacturing processes such as welding, fabrication, machining or composites

• Experience using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Creo

• Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g. Windchill) and managing engineering data such as BoMs and drawings

• Experience developing concepts through to detailed design and engineering drawings

• Understanding of materials selection and structural performance considerations

• Strong communication skills with the confidence to present engineering information clearly

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards professional accreditation

• Experience working with ERP systems such as QAD or SAP

• Previous experience supporting armoured vehicles or complex vehicle platforms

You’ll also bring a collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving capability and the ability to lead engineering activities while working closely with customers, suppliers and internal teams.

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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.

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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.

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

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Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years and continues to grow across the UK and North America.

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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. 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 employment with NP Aerospace.