At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers on advanced defence systems.
- Company: Dynamic defence-focused company in Horsham with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and opportunities for innovation.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work on cutting-edge technology and drive continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes environment while shaping engineering direction.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven leadership experience required.
Location: Horsham
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 DOE
We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to join a high-performing engineering team in Horsham. This is a senior leadership role within a defence-focused environment, offering the opportunity to lead talented mechanical engineers working on advanced electro-mechanical systems for surveillance, fire-control, and radar positioning applications. This role will suit a confident technical leader who can combine strong mechanical design expertise with people management, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation.
You will be responsible for guiding the team through the full system lifecycle, from concept and analysis through to design, delivery, and continuous improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
- Provide technical guidance and support on complex engineering challenges.
- Drive continuous improvement across tools, training, and engineering processes.
- Monitor team performance and support staff development through regular 1:1s, mentoring, and personal development planning.
- Support sales activity by defining mechanical requirements, developing concept solutions, and contributing to bids and estimates.
- Work with Integrated Portfolio Teams to manage resources and support recruitment planning.
- Collaborate with systems, software, electronics, and electrical teams to ensure smooth integration.
- Contribute to engineering strategy, team objectives, and long-term planning.
- Keep the business informed of emerging technologies and industry developments.
- Ensure all design activity meets safety, regulatory, and defence industry requirements.
The ideal candidate:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Extensive experience designing and delivering complex mechanisms and structures.
- Proven leadership experience managing projects and people.
- Strong background in design analysis and performance calculations, including FEA.
- Experience designing equipment for harsh or demanding environments.
- Confident working on bids and engaging with customers on new business opportunities.
- Strong track record in innovation and concept development.
- Committed to continuous improvement.
- Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques including machining, sheet metal forming, casting, fabrication, and moulding.
- Experience with electromechanical drive mechanisms such as motors, gearboxes, and ballscrews.
- Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical components.
- Experience using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
What’s on offer:
- Salary of £80,000 - £85,000 DOE.
- Senior leadership opportunity with real influence over engineering direction.
- Chance to work on advanced defence systems with world-class applications.
- Collaborative environment with scope to lead, develop, and innovate.
- Opportunity to shape engineering capability and support business growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering leader looking to take ownership of a technically challenging and high-impact role in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager in Horsham
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Holt Engineering.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Holt Engineering love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Holt Engineering and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Holt Engineering and the Engineering Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Holt Engineering.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Holt Engineering.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Holt Engineering, making you a more appealing candidate.
