At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop protective vehicle systems using 3D CAD, collaborating with teams for optimal performance.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in global armour technology with over 40 years of defence expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, pension contributions, and healthcare plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working may be available; commitment to diversity and inclusion is a core value.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by solving complex design challenges that protect lives on the front line.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; CAD proficiency required, defence sector experience preferred.
Design protection that saves lives. Looking for a role where your engineering skills directly protect those on the front line? At NP Aerospace, this is your chance to work on advanced systems that deliver real-world impact.
As our next Design Engineer, you’ll play a hands-on role in the design, development and integration of protective components and vehicle systems used in some of the world’s most demanding military and security environments. This isn’t about maintaining legacy parts – it’s about solving complex design challenges from concept to production, in a team that values precision, innovation and mission-critical performance.
We work fast, support each other, and deliver engineering that matters. If you want to grow your career on real-life-saving projects, keep reading.
What’s in it for you?
- Join a growing business with serious purpose
- Work on high-impact defence engineering projects
- Salary of £35,000–£45,000, based on experience
- Half-year discretionary bonus
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays + holiday purchase scheme
- Two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadet volunteers
- 9% combined pension contributions
- Life cover (3x salary) and BHSF cash healthcare plan
What you’ll be doing:
- Designing and developing vehicle protection systems using 3D CAD (we use Creo – SolidWorks is a bonus).
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure structural integrity, performance and ease of manufacture.
- Managing BOMs and drawings via PLM (Windchill preferred).
- Balancing cost, weight and strength targets to deliver practical, field-ready systems.
- Taking designs from concept to production in low- to medium-volume manufacturing.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
- Engineering experience in defence, aerospace or automotive sectors.
- Proficiency in CAD and drawing creation (Creo preferred).
- A practical understanding of fabrication, machining and composite materials.
- Someone who can balance technical design with real-world performance.
- Chartered status (CEng) is a bonus – or be on the path to it.
About NP Aerospace
We’re a global armour technology company with over 40 years of defence expertise. From ballistic plates and bomb suits to armoured vehicles and helmets, our products are trusted by some of the world’s most respected defence organisations. Innovation, protection and performance are at the heart of everything we do.
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 before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
Locations
Design Engineer in Coventry, Longford employer: N P Aerospace Ltd
NP Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Coventry where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on health and wellbeing, NP Aerospace empowers its team to excel in their careers while contributing to meaningful defence solutions. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values respect and integrity, and take advantage of opportunities to shape the future of project management in a global leader in armour technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer in Coventry, Longford
✨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 N P Aerospace Ltd.
✨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 N P Aerospace Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of N P Aerospace Ltd 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 Design Engineer in Coventry, Longford
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 N P Aerospace Ltd and the Design Engineer 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 N P Aerospace Ltd
✨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 N P Aerospace Ltd.
✨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 N P Aerospace Ltd.
✨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 N P Aerospace Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
