Mechanical Engineering Manager

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK. At Northrop Grumman UK, our mission is to solve the most complex challenges by shaping the technology and solutions of tomorrow. We call it Defining Possible. This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

Opportunity: This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. The mechanical function is responsible for leading the design and development of our mechanical products, taking them through the design lifecycle and ensuring suitable for manufacture. They also support in production, dispositioning non-compliance and supporting with problem solving activities. They therefore require project engineering, design, and analysis (FEA, MSA, GD&T) skillsets to enable high quality outputs. They must also appreciate the wider understanding of engineering in terms of design for safety, security, maintainability, and manufacturability.

The Mechanical Engineering manager is overall responsible for the functional excellence of the Mechanical team across the NG Defence Operating Unit. They lead the Mechanical team to provide the capability required by the operating unit and is the primary point of contact for the team. The functional manager is responsible for the planning, directing and coordinating of the functional activities to meet agreed metrics (schedule, budget, quality, technical performance) and in compliance to required processes and practices (e.g. company frameworks, processes, standards, export controls, etc). They will provide input to support the engineering strategy and will be responsible for the delivery of Mechanical initiatives linked to the strategy.

Our UK Defence business is a Sovereign software and systems centre of excellence. As well as developing and supporting UK wide and internationally deployed multi-domain command and control systems, our work is critical to the modern backbone of the Royal Navy. We pioneer – with fierce curiosity, dedication, and innovation, we seek to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Responsibilities:

• Resourcing and People Management: Line Management of the Mechanical engineers, ensuring safety of the team and that they are meeting the expectations of the Senior Manager – Hardware and Head of Engineering.
• Capability Management: Identification of capability needs in the Mechanical function, gaps in current capability and building plans to fill these gaps. Career management of the Mechanical function, organising internal/external training on capabilities, processes and tools.
• Resource management: Resource supply against demand management. Capacity planning and recruitment, outsource management.
• Functional delivery: Ensures appropriate planning, allocation of SQEP and appropriate resources to the various projects and programmes, and functional activities are performed in accordance with approved process. Ensures high quality outputs from the Mechanical engineering team and that they are delivered to agreed timescales and costs.
• Planning: Approval of project plans specific to the Mechanical teams, tailoring company processes. Implementing functional plans and objectives necessary to meet the Defence Operating Unit engineering plans and objectives.
• Process Management: Highlight process needs and work with the Technical Directorate to update processes within the company business management system.
• Asset management: Identify tools required to keep up to date in latest capabilities. Management of tools owned by the Mechanical function.

Benefits: We can offer you a range of flexible and hybrid working options to suit you, including optional compressed working schedule with every other Friday off. Our benefits include private health care, career development opportunities and performance bonuses. For a comprehensive list of benefits, speak to our recruitment team.

We are looking for Competency/Skill requirements:

• Demonstrated engineering expertise in developing and supporting (in-service) mechanical and electromechanical products/systems within the defence industry.
• Ability to critically review drawings, designs, engineering analyses, and data.
• Ability to take a product through the development lifecycle.
• Adept at problem-solving, able to develop solutions to a variety of complex problems.
• Organised, adept at workload management and prioritising appropriately to meet deadlines.
• Flexible and responsive to changing priorities.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with all audiences/stakeholders and present relevant information clearly at all levels of the organisation.
• Leadership skills, including being strategic, effective communication (influencing, motivation, listening), investing in people and setting up teams and individuals to be successful in role.

Essential qualifications / experience:

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering / technical subject (e.g. Mechanical engineering or similar) or extensive experience in a relevant area.
• Relevant experience within defence, maritime, and/or aerospace sector.
• Working knowledge of Mechanical Design Defence Standards and regulations.
• Experience leading and developing high performing teams.
• Experience in reviewing mechanical drawings, analyses and project documentation.
• Evidenced substantial experience in a Mechanical Engineering role, including but not limited to: Experience in design for manufacture, Design for Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement philosophies.
• Knowledge of Electrical and Mechanical Design.
• Knowledge of Production and Manufacturing techniques.
• Experience designing for: safety, security, maintainability, reliability, etc.
• Knowledge of various analysis techniques, including FEA, CFD, electrical loads, etc.
• Materials knowledge (including REACH and RoHS regulations).

Preferred qualifications/experience/knowledge:

• Chartered Engineer.
• Previous experience using CREO or similar CAD software package.
• Previous experience using Windchill or similar PLM software package.
• Previous experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design package.

Security clearance: You must be able to gain and maintain the relevant UK Government security clearance in line with the job role (SC).

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.