Laboratory & Ballistic Range Officer in Coventry

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.

Salary: £28,000-£30,000 (subject to experience)

About the role

Help ensure the products that protect lives perform exactly as they should. We're looking for a Laboratory & Ballistic Range Officer to join our specialist testing team in Coventry. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development and quality assurance, carrying out testing activities that support some of the world's most advanced armour and protection systems. You’ll thrive in this role if you're naturally methodical, safety-conscious, and enjoy practical, hands‑on work. Working across laboratory and ballistic range environments, you'll play a vital role in validating product performance, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring our products meet demanding customer, industry, and international standards. If you enjoy testing, problem-solving, and working in a role where accuracy truly matters, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Due to the nature of the work and the customers we support, this role is only open to UK Nationals who are eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). The role is physically active and includes regular manual handling, lifting, movement of test equipment and supporting activities within both laboratory and ballistic range environments.

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 carry out a range of destructive and non‑destructive testing activities on new and existing product lines, helping ensure our armour and protection systems meet stringent customer, contractual, and international standards. Your work will directly contribute to the performance, safety, and reliability of products used in demanding operational environments. You’ll support both development and production testing within the laboratory and ballistic range, gaining exposure to advanced testing methodologies while helping engineering and quality teams evaluate product performance. You'll compile accurate test reports that support informed engineering and business decisions. You’ll work within our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory environment, supporting compliance, maintaining testing standards, and contributing to the continual improvement of the Laboratory Management System. The role also provides the opportunity to interact with internal and external customers who witness testing activities, giving you exposure to customer‑facing technical work. Alongside testing activities, you’ll support laboratory operations through equipment checks, housekeeping, maintenance activities, and the safe management of testing materials and consumables. You’ll also support the safe handling and movement of test equipment, materials and products, making this a practical, hands‑on role that combines technical testing with physical laboratory and range activities. Your attention to detail will help ensure the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with quality standards.

What we’re looking for

We're looking for someone who combines strong attention to detail with a practical, safety‑focused approach to testing and quality assurance. You’ll ideally have:

• Relevant experience within a laboratory, testing, quality, engineering, defence, manufacturing, or technical environment
• Minimum GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
• Understanding of testing processes and the importance of accurate data collection and reporting
• Experience working within a regulated, controlled, or accredited environment
• Basic Microsoft Excel and Word skills
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to calculate and interpret test results
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately record test data
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and customers
• A proactive and safety‑conscious approach to work
• Comfortable working in a physically active environment involving regular manual handling and lifting activities
• UK National eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty and calibration principles
• Experience supporting product testing, validation, or quality activities
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and Environmental legislation
• Previous experience within defence, engineering, manufacturing, or materials testing environments
• Full driving licence

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.

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. 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.