At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to design and develop innovative mechanical products.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in solving complex engineering challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation assistance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical mission systems for the Royal Navy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in leading technical teams.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Location: New Malden
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000
Clearance: SC (or eligible)
What’s Your Possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help solve some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges. You’ll shape the technology of tomorrow and build a career with purpose. This is what we call Defining Possible.
This is more than a job; it’s a mission. 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.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- 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.
Preferred
- 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.
- Demonstrated use of FEA, CFD, and manufacturing processes.
If you don’t meet every requirement but feel inspired by the role, we encourage you to apply.
Security Clearance
You must meet the nationality and residency requirements for UK Security Check (SC) clearance. You must be able to gain and maintain this clearance for the role.
For questions, contact: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead in New Malden employer: Northrop Grumman
At Northrop Grumman UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. As a Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead in New Malden, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to comprehensive employee growth opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to work on critical projects that support national defence. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every engineer can thrive and contribute to shaping the technology of tomorrow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead in New Malden
✨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 Northrop Grumman.
✨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 Northrop Grumman love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Northrop Grumman 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 Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead in New Malden
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 Northrop Grumman and the Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead 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 Northrop Grumman
✨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 Northrop Grumman.
✨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 Northrop Grumman.
✨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 Northrop Grumman, making you a more appealing candidate.
