Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles

Job Title:​ Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles

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)

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Lead engineering that saves lives.

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Want your leadership to make a real-world impact? At NP Aerospace, our vehicles and armour platforms protect people in the most extreme conditions – and we’re looking for a Lead Engineer who can deliver world-class performance where it matters most.

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You’ll oversee the design, integration and development of high-performance vehicle systems – including armour protection and automotive components – from concept through to final release. Your leadership will shape how we approach product innovation, ensuring every solution is built to meet demanding safety, cost and performance standards.

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This is your chance to take charge of engineering projects that truly matter, in a company where mission and purpose come first.

Why join us?

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✅ Be part of a team protecting front-line lives

✅ Lead end-to-end engineering delivery on cutting-edge projects

✅ Discretionary half-year bonus

✅ 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays + holiday purchase scheme

✅ Two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadet volunteers

✅ 9% combined pension contribution

✅ Life cover (3x salary) and BHSF cash healthcare plan

What you’ll do:

• Lead technical delivery for armoured vehicle projects – from initial concept to final release
  
  
• Own product specifications and design decisions across the full lifecycle
  
  
• Ensure performance, cost and quality targets are met at every stage
  
  
• Use SolidWorks or Creo to guide design interrogation and optimisation
  
  
• Oversee CAD, BoM and drawing control using PLM tools (Windchill preferred)
  
  
• Build manufacturability into designs from day one
  
  
• Present clear, confident design reports to internal and external stakeholders
  
  
• Collaborate with FEA engineers to validate structural performance
  
  
• Support project planning, timeline delivery, and ISO compliance
  
  What you’ll bring:
  
  
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience
  
  
• Solid experience in defence, automotive, or aerospace engineering
  
  
• Strong knowledge of low-to-medium volume production methods (welding, composites, machining)
  
  
• Confident using CAD (SolidWorks or Creo) and managing design data
  
  
• A practical understanding of how things are built – and how to design with that in mind
  
  
• Ideally Chartered (CEng) or working towards it
  
  You don’t need to tick every box – if you’ve led complex engineering projects and want your work to protect people, we want to hear from you.
  
  What we do at NP Aerospace
  
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  We’re a global leader in armour technology and vehicle integration, trusted by major defence partners worldwide. From ballistic helmets and bomb suits to full vehicle platforms, our solutions are mission-critical, proven, and built to perform.
  
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  We’ve been around since 1926, but our sights are firmly set on the future – with growing teams in the UK and North America and a commitment to cutting-edge R&D.
  
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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. 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.
  
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  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.
  
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  Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace