At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to design and develop innovative mechanical products.
- Company: Join a leading defence technology company with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and strategic engineering role.
- Why this job: Make a difference in critical mission systems for the Royal Navy and beyond.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in leading technical teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As the Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead, you will line manage up to 10 engineers who design and develop NGUK's mechanical products, from concept through development and qualification, whilst supporting production and in-service activities. You'll be responsible for the quality of the output of the mechanical engineers whilst ensuring they follow process and best practice. You will also be responsible for building the mechanical engineering capability, as directed by the hardware engineering manager, through identification of required competencies, gap analysis and implementation/support of development plans. This role would suit a high performing and highly competent mechanical engineer with strong leadership skills who sees their future in a management position. Your leadership will directly support critical UK and international mission systems, including technology that underpins the Royal Navy's capability.
What You Will Do
- Lead the Mechanical Engineering team, ensuring quality, performance and wellbeing.
- Oversee engineering outputs including designs, analyses, documentation and compliance reviews.
- Lead high profile and/or complex activities, including development projects, root cause and correct action investigations, and failure analyses.
- Ensure high-quality delivery against schedule, cost and technical performance targets.
- Manage resource planning, including supply vs demand and outsource decisions, as well as recruitment of mechanical engineers.
- Identify the competencies required and build the competence within the team through identification of training and providing opportunities to build experiences and demonstrate competence.
- Support improvements in processes, toolsets, design practices and engineering standards.
- Support strategic engineering initiatives and contribute to business unit objectives.
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a degree in a similar field (equivalent experience would be considered).
- Experience developing mechanical or electromechanical systems in defence, maritime or aerospace.
- Experience in developing designs using CAD.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, design for manufacture, analysis techniques (including hand calculations and FEA), and engineering design standards.
- Experience leading technical teams through a development lifecycle.
- Ability to interpret, review and approve engineering designs, drawings and stress analyses.
- Experience performing root cause analyses and troubleshooting through structured approaches.
- Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder-management skills.
- Demonstrated use of FEA, CFD, and manufacturing processes.
- You must be able to gain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance for the role.
Preferred Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer status.
- Experience with CREO, Windchill or similar CAD/PLM tools.
- Knowledge of materials properties and treatments, especially for aluminium and steel.
- Knowledge of REACH/RoHS standards would be of benefit.
Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead employer: Northrop Grumman
As a Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for leadership development while contributing to critical mission systems that support the Royal Navy. With a commitment to quality and excellence, we offer competitive benefits and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mechanical engineering field, especially those who might know about openings or can refer you. Don’t be shy; a simple message can lead to great opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to leadership and technical challenges. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along a portfolio of your best work, including designs and analyses you've led. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you a chance to discuss your thought process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of mechanical design and team management.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical expertise, especially with CAD tools like CREO or Windchill. Mention any experience with FEA or CFD, as these are crucial for the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our engineering capabilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to design for manufacture and analysis techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD tools like CREO or Windchill, as well as any relevant projects you've led.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led technical teams in the past. Highlight your approach to resource planning and how you've supported team members in their development.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical expertise, such as root cause analyses or troubleshooting methods. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly, as strong communication is key for this position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission systems and how your role will contribute to them. Showing that you understand the strategic importance of the position will demonstrate your commitment and vision for the future.