At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects and solve complex problems in defence technology.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in armour technology and vehicle integration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on military capabilities while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and proven experience in systems engineering required.
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type: Full-time, 3-6 month FTC with possible extensions and onsite
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (subject to experience) + discretionary bonuses
About the role
At NP Aerospace, we're looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across our Protected Mobility programmes. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of some of our most complex engineering challenges, bringing together systems engineering, vehicle technology and armour expertise to develop solutions for demanding defence applications. You'll work across the full engineering lifecycle from concept and requirements through design, integration, testing and into production while providing technical direction to engineering teams, suppliers and customers. If you're an experienced systems or vehicle engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical decisions and seeing your engineering work translated into real-world military capability, this is a role where you can make a genuine impact.
What you’ll get in return
- Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
- Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
- Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
- Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
- Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
- Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
- Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
- Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
What you’ll be doing
You'll provide systems engineering leadership across Protected Mobility programmes, working closely with our Chief Engineer, Programme teams, engineering specialists and customers to develop balanced, technically robust vehicle solutions. You'll analyse and flow down system and sub-system requirements, develop specifications and functional architectures, and support the implementation of design solutions. You'll also assess competing technologies, identify viable solutions and help shape technical standards and guidelines across the business. A key part of the role will be working with subcontractors and suppliers throughout design, integration, test and acceptance, ensuring technical requirements are understood and delivered. You'll also contribute to internal and external design reviews and provide clear technical briefings to senior leadership. You'll work across the complete engineering lifecycle, supporting systems engineering integration and test, manufacturing builds and issue resolution. This is a role where you'll be expected to take ownership, bring people together and drive complex technical issues through to resolution. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to innovation and the continued development of NP Aerospace's systems engineering capability. Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.
What we’re looking for
We're looking for an experienced engineer who can combine strong systems engineering capability with technical leadership, commercial awareness and the confidence to influence customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
Essential
- Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline
- Proven experience leading activities on engineering development programmes
- Strong requirements development experience, including DOORS
- Proven system design and analysis experience using a SysML tool
- Experience working across the full systems engineering lifecycle
- Proven experience managing subcontractors through design, integration, test and acceptance
- Ability to create and maintain high-quality technical documentation
- Ability to lead or support the development of technical standards and guidelines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills and excellent customer relationship skills
- Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and potentially overseas
- Ability to hold UK Security Clearance (SC)
Desirable
- Experience working on large defence systems or protected mobility programmes
- Automotive experience, particularly in:
- Hydraulic systems such as brakes and steering
- Driveline development including gearboxes, differentials and driveshafts
- Vehicle structures and structural body systems
- Chassis systems including wheel ends, hubs, bearings and ball joints
What do we do at NP Aerospace?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. 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. 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. Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company.
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.
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.
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
Locations
Principal Engineer in Coventry, Longford employer: N P Aerospace Ltd
NP Aerospace is an exceptional employer located in Coventry, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and career growth. With competitive benefits including performance rewards, generous leave, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in a meaningful role that contributes to life-saving defence solutions. Join a team where your skills are valued, and every contribution makes a difference in protecting lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Coventry, Longford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer role you’re after at N P Aerospace Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at N P Aerospace Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at N P Aerospace Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Engineer at N P Aerospace Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Coventry, Longford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at N P Aerospace Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to N P Aerospace Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at N P Aerospace Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with N P Aerospace Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like N P Aerospace Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
