At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering for armoured vehicles, guiding design and development in defence environments.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a global leader in armour technology and vehicle integration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25 days holiday, performance rewards, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation, integrity, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by protecting lives through innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience in automotive, aerospace, or defence.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, full time and based on-site. Potential hybrid working but subject to operational needs.
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 (subject to experience)
About the role
Lead engineering that protects lives. We’re looking for a Lead Engineer – Armoured Vehicles to guide the development of complex vehicle systems and armour protection solutions used in demanding defence environments. In this role, you’ll take ownership of key engineering activities across the product lifecycle, helping turn technical concepts into robust, manufacturable vehicle systems. You’ll work closely with the Chief Engineer and cross-functional teams to lead design delivery, support product development and ensure engineering solutions meet demanding performance, cost and quality targets. If you enjoy leading technical work, mentoring engineers and seeing your designs delivered on real vehicle platforms, this could be the perfect opportunity.
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
In this role, you’ll lead the engineering delivery of armoured vehicle projects, ensuring systems are designed, integrated and developed to meet demanding performance and safety standards. You’ll guide projects from concept through to final approval, giving you the opportunity to influence how vehicle protection and automotive systems are engineered and delivered. You’ll interrogate CAD models and design data using tools such as SolidWorks or Creo, helping refine and optimise designs while maintaining control of Bills of Materials, CAD models and engineering drawings through PLM systems like Windchill. This will allow you to shape design decisions and ensure engineering data is robust and production-ready. Working alongside FEA specialists, manufacturing teams and project managers, you’ll ensure designs are practical to manufacture and assemble. This collaboration gives you the chance to influence design feasibility early in the process while strengthening your experience across vehicle integration, materials selection and structural performance. You’ll also present design reports and technical updates to internal teams and customers, helping ensure engineering decisions are well understood and aligned with programme goals. Through this work, you’ll play a key role in maintaining NP Aerospace’s reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance vehicle systems.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines strong engineering expertise with leadership capability and a practical approach to design and manufacturing. Ideally you will have:
- Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent practical experience
- Experience working in automotive, aerospace or defence engineering environments
- Strong knowledge of low-to-medium volume manufacturing processes such as welding, fabrication, machining or composites
- Experience using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Creo
- Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g. Windchill) and managing engineering data such as BoMs and drawings
- Experience developing concepts through to detailed design and engineering drawings
- Understanding of materials selection and structural performance considerations
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to present engineering information clearly
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards professional accreditation
- Experience working with ERP systems such as QAD or SAP
- Previous experience supporting armoured vehicles or complex vehicle platforms
You’ll also bring a collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving capability and the ability to lead engineering activities while working closely with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
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 — incorporates some of the most advanced composite materials available. Alongside this, we design and deliver 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 and continues to grow across the UK and North America.
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.
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 employment with NP Aerospace.
Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles in Coventry employer: NP Aerospace Limited
At NP Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Coventry, our team enjoys flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to career development within a global leader in defence technology. Join us to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with talented professionals dedicated to protecting lives through cutting-edge engineering solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles in Coventry
✨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 NP Aerospace Limited.
✨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 NP Aerospace Limited love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of NP Aerospace Limited 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 Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles in Coventry
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 NP Aerospace Limited and the Lead Engineer - Armoured Vehicles 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 NP Aerospace Limited
✨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 NP Aerospace Limited.
✨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 NP Aerospace Limited.
✨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 NP Aerospace Limited, making you a more appealing candidate.
