At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects for next-gen defence vehicle systems and ensure top-notch quality.
- Company: Established engineering organisation in the defence vehicle sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible contract options, and opportunities for immediate start.
- Other info: Active UK Security Clearance is a must; excellent career growth opportunities await.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by solving complex engineering challenges in a mission-critical environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in defence, aerospace, or automotive sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Coventry, UK (Onsite)
Salary + Benefits: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (Fixed-Term Contract) or £350 – £375 per day (Ltd Company Contractor – Outside IR35)
Shift Pattern / Working Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 16:35
- Friday: 08:00 – 15:10
Must hold active UK Security Clearance.
An established engineering organisation operating within the defence vehicle sector is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to support a period of sustained programme growth. This role focuses on delivering next-generation vehicle systems for global defence programmes and future mobility developments. You will take technical ownership of complex electro-mechanical systems, ensuring solutions meet demanding customer, regulatory, and operational requirements. Working within a collaborative, engineering-led environment, you will contribute directly to programmes that deliver advanced protection and mobility capabilities. Both fixed-term and day-rate engagement options are available for an immediate start.
Technical Leadership & Ownership:
- Take overall technical responsibility for assigned vehicle system projects.
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
- Guide engineering solutions from concept through validation and qualification.
- Balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, and long-term supportability.
Engineering Delivery & Governance:
- Manage engineering change, configuration control, and systems integration activities.
- Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and qualification programmes.
- Drive robust root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Produce and review high-quality engineering documentation and data packs.
Cross-Functional & Customer Collaboration:
- Work closely with Chief Engineers, Project Managers, and Design teams.
- Support bid activity, proposals, and technical submissions.
- Engage with customers during technical reviews and evaluations.
- Provide technical guidance across production and in-service support environments.
The Person:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering or related discipline.
- Experience within defence, aerospace, automotive, or comparable engineering sectors.
- Strong understanding of electro-mechanical and/or mechanical system architecture.
- Knowledge of fabrication, machining, and composite manufacturing processes.
- Practical, hands-on problem-solving approach with a focus on quality and manufacturability.
- Experience with configuration management, change control, and systems engineering principles.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD, CAE, or simulation tools.
- Understanding of regulated or defence-related programme environments.
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, or complex engineering programme delivery.
- Must hold active UK Security Clearance.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take technical ownership within a highly engineered and mission‑critical environment. If you are a technically credible leader who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and delivering real‑world impact, we would welcome your application.
Lead Engineer employer: Envisage Group Limited
Envisage Group Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Coventry where innovation meets defence technology. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for continuous improvement and skill enhancement in a highly regulated sector. Our commitment to a collaborative culture ensures that every team member contributes to meaningful projects that protect our military personnel, making your work not just a job, but a vital contribution to national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Envisage Group Limited that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Envisage Group Limited, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Envisage Group Limited want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Envisage Group Limited will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Envisage Group Limited
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Envisage Group Limited. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Envisage Group Limited might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Envisage Group Limited. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Envisage Group Limited, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.