At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the assembly of military vehicles and learn from experienced technicians.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in defence technology and vehicle integration.
- Benefits: Earn £15/hour, enjoy flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference by building vehicles that protect lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Hands-on mechanical experience and a keen eye for detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Support the build of vehicles that protect lives. We’re looking for Assistant Vehicle Technicians to support the assembly and refurbishment of specialist military vehicles at our Coventry facility. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll work alongside experienced technicians and engineers, helping deliver complex vehicle integration projects for defence customers around the world. This opportunity is being advertised in anticipation of upcoming project demands across our vehicle programmes. If you enjoy practical mechanical work and want to develop your skills in a specialist defence manufacturing environment, this role offers an excellent pathway into full Vehicle Technician positions.
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 support the assembly and preparation of armoured and specialist vehicle platforms, helping bring complex military vehicle systems to life. Working from manufacturing instructions, job packs and drawings, you’ll assist with building mechanical sub‑assemblies and installing components while developing your understanding of vehicle systems and integration processes. You’ll also carry out vehicle preparation tasks such as removing trims, preparing surfaces and organising work areas before assembly begins. This gives you valuable exposure to the full build process while helping ensure vehicles are ready for integration activities carried out by senior technicians. Working alongside experienced technicians and production team leaders, you’ll learn how to safely use hand tools, torque tools and lifting equipment while building mechanical assemblies and components. You’ll also carry out visual inspections and elevate any issues you identify, helping maintain the high quality standards required for defence vehicle programmes. As you grow in the role, you’ll gain experience working across different vehicle builds and refurbishment projects while supporting continuous improvement, safe working practices and 5S standards across the production environment.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who enjoys practical mechanical work, has strong attention to detail and wants to develop their skills within a specialist vehicle manufacturing environment. You’ll ideally have:
- Hands‑on experience in a mechanical or workshop environment (automotive, HGV, plant, rail, aerospace, forces or similar)
- Basic understanding of tools, fasteners and workshop safety practices
- Ability to follow written instructions, drawings or job packs accurately
- Experience working as part of a team in a production or workshop environment
- Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high‑quality work
- A reliable, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn new skills
Bonus points if you have:
- Experience supporting vehicle or mechanical sub‑assembly work
- Exposure to manufacturing or vehicle build environments
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 in the world. Alongside this, we 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 expand 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 Successful candidates will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before employment with NP Aerospace.
Assistant Vehicle Technician in Coventry employer: NP Aerospace, Ltd.
NP Aerospace is an exceptional employer located in Coventry, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises teamwork and personal growth. With competitive benefits including performance rewards, generous holiday allowances, and career advancement opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to the production of high-quality protective products used globally. The company also values health and wellbeing, providing comprehensive healthcare plans and support for Defence personnel, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Vehicle Technician 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, 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 NP Aerospace, Ltd. love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of NP 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 Assistant Vehicle Technician 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, Ltd. and the Assistant Vehicle Technician 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, 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 NP 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 NP 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 NP Aerospace, Ltd., making you a more appealing candidate.