Engineering Manager in Coventry

NP Aerospace uses high performance composite materials to deliver lightweight, combat proven protection for people and vehicles. Our personal armour portfolio includes ballistic helmets, body armour plates and bomb disposal suits, built where weight, strength and safety are critical. The Engineering Manager will lead and develop the Personal Armour Engineering team, taking ownership of engineering delivery across a portfolio of private venture and customer funded projects. You will combine technical leadership with people management and project oversight, ensuring robust designs, clear technical decisions and on time outputs. Working closely with manufacturing, quality, procurement and programmes, you will help translate requirements into practical, deliverable solutions and contribute to the wider growth of the business. The role is primarily site based, with a flexible working schedule and some working from home where suitable.

WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• 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

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities for the role will include:

• Technical: Demonstrate a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, technologies, and industry trends. Be responsible for engineering standards and procedures. Provide support and guidance to the design and engineering communities when solving complex technical challenges and make informed decisions. Be responsible for the ‘sign off’ of products and projects against internal and external requirements. High level understanding of electronic and electrical systems design. Champion innovation in the technical area.
• Team Leadership: Have direct line management of 6 – 10 project engineers, providing guidance, mentorship and support whilst setting and maintaining the highest professional standards. Conduct regular performance reviews, set goals, and assist in career development plans for team members.
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects within scope, budget, and timeline constraints. Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including sales, product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless project integration and delivery. Identify and mitigate risks and implement effective project management methodologies.
• Resource Management: Work with the project and delivery teams to allocate resources efficiently to meet project demands. Ensure the team has the necessary tools, equipment, and training to perform their roles effectively.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Contribute to the development of engineering budgets and manage expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness. Implement strategies to optimize engineering processes and reduce operational costs. Provide support to new business development with projected costs for technical solutions and resource requirements to deliver.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and uphold quality standards for engineering deliverables. Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure products meet or exceed industry or customer specified standards.
• Communication: Communicate effectively verbally, and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders, including executives, clients, and team members. Provide regular updates on project status, challenges, and successes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about industry regulations and standards. Ensure that engineering processes and outputs comply with relevant regulatory requirements.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. 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.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar) or equivalent professional experience. Significant experience working on design and development projects, inception to launch, within an engineer to order, technical environment. Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards, ideally to automotive / defence requirements. Must include an understanding of GD&T. Familiarity with configuration control and change management procedures. Ability to communicate effectively on a technical level with management groups and customers. Experience of line management and/or team leadership in a technical delivery scenario. Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.

Desirable: Chartered Engineer. Experience in compiling FMEA’s, DVP&R, SRD, SoW. Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design. Experience with PTC Creo, Simulate and Windchill PDM. Experience working with Composite materials. Experience working with, and to, ballistic test specifications. Composite manufacturing experience including compression and autoclave moulding, machining, fabrication and assembly. Experience of electronic system design and development. Experience of managing project cost and timelines. Familiar with Tooling Design and Design for Manufacture.

ABILITY ASSESSMENT

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to deliver a short presentation on a relevant engineering topic. Full details and preparation guidance will be shared in advance of the final interview stage.

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.