Lead Engineer

Job Title: Lead Engineer – Military Vehicle Systems
Location: Foleshill Enterprise Park, Coventry, UK
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Contract (6 months), Outside IR35 and potential hybrid working.
Salary: £300-£375 per day - subject to experience

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JOB SUMMARY​

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If you’re passionate about creating innovative engineering solutions that protect those who protect us, this could be the role for you.

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Join NP Aerospace as a Lead Engineer and play a key role in delivering the next generation of military vehicle systems.

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We’re expanding our presence in the defence sector with a new Coventry facility supporting global vehicle programmes and a £71 million UK MoD contract to deliver spares, design services, and fleet support across 15,000 vehicles. We’re also partnering with GM Defense to develop future light mobility vehicles and advance our vehicle systems and integration capabilities across NATO programmes.

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As Lead Engineer, you’ll oversee mechanical and electrical systems engineering from concept to validated design, ensuring reliability, survivability, and mission success. You’ll work closely with project leads, design teams, and customers to deliver solutions that meet the highest standards.

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This is your opportunity to make a real impact and help shape the future of protected mobility.​​

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Please note: This is an Outside IR35 6 month contract with potential extensions.​

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

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​MORE INFO ABOUT THE ROLE

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​You’ll collaborate closely with the Chief Engineer, Project Managers, and Design Office to translate complex engineering concepts into fully validated and verified designs ready for production. This will include hands-on involvement in design tasks, engineering support to operations, responding to customer queries on legacy platforms, and managing engineering change.​

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​The role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of defence technology, providing technical direction, supporting integration activities, and ensuring all designs meet NP Aerospace’s high standards for quality, performance, and safety.

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​MAIN JOB DUTIES

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• ​Take overall technical ownership of assigned projects, ensuring that system designs meet customer specifications, relevant standards, and applicable legislative or regulatory requirements.
  
  
• ​​Develop system designs that balance performance, manufacturability, ease of assembly, and long-term supportability, while maintaining robustness and reliability.
  
  
• ​Provide clear technical direction and guidance to the project design team to ensure final solutions meet all agreed requirements.
  
  
• ​Identify the need for design improvements or modifications and raise engineering change requests as appropriate.
  
  
• ​Investigate and resolve design or product issues, applying effective problem-solving techniques throughout the development and in-service lifecycle.
  
  
• ​Work collaboratively with Production and Quality teams to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and support continuous improvement activities.
  
  
• ​Oversee the design and build of prototype systems, ensuring all engineering and safety standards are met.
  
  
• ​Define and prepare test plans, including test rig requirements, as part of the test readiness process prior to prototype build and validation.
  
  
• ​Lead the validation and qualification of system designs, which may include hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and electronic components.
  
  
• ​Support customer evaluations of prototypes, including occasional travel to customer sites as required.
  
  
• ​Contribute to the creation of technical documentation such as manufacturing instructions, build guides, and other supporting product materials.
  
  
• ​Support new business development through the preparation of technical bid proposals and costed engineering inputs.
  
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  The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.​
  
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  EXPERIENCE
  
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  ESSENTIAL​
  
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• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate engineering or related discipline.
  
  
• Strong understanding of electro-mechanical and/or mechanical system architecture.
  
  
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply relevant design standards, ideally within aerospace or defence sectors.
  
  
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques such as machining, moulding, casting, and sheet metal fabrication.
  
  
• ​Familiarity with configuration management and change control processes.
  
  
• ​Solid understanding of systems engineering principles and their practical application.
  
  
• ​Proven ability to apply robust engineering practices, including risk identification and mitigation.
  
  
• ​Strong technical communication and collaboration skills across internal and customer-facing teams.
  
  
• ​Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.​
  
  DESIRABLE
  
  
• ​Previous experience in the design and development of military vehicles or associated subsystems.
  
  
• ​Experience working within aerospace or defence engineering environments.
  
  
• ​Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and detailed design.
  
  
• ​Exposure to Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and simulation techniques.
  
  
• ​Strong project planning and delivery skills.
  
  
• ​Experience working with the UK Ministry of Defence and knowledge of defence contracting processes.
  
  
• ​Involvement in complex bid and proposal submissions.
  
  
• ​Current or eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC level).
  
  
• ​Familiarity with Army Equipment Support Publications (AESPs) or equivalent technical documentation standards.​
  
  WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?
  
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  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, 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.
  
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  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.
  
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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