Lead Development Engineer in Coventry

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent, Site-based

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (subject to experience) + Discretionary Bonus

The Job

As a Lead Development Engineer at NP Aerospace, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of lightweight, combat‑proven protection solutions. Our armour products use high‑performance composite materials to protect people and vehicles, from helmets, body plates, shields and bomb disposal suits through to highly engineered composite systems for armoured vehicles, delivering outstanding ballistic and mechanical performance at significantly reduced weight compared with steel. This is a role for an engineer who enjoys ownership and pace. You will take responsibility for multiple projects within our R&D function, turning requirements into practical, tested solutions that meet technical expectations and are delivered to cost and schedule. Working across design, manufacturing, quality and commercial teams, you will help drive development activity from concept through to validation, with real‑world impact on products that protect lives. The role is primarily site‑based, with a flexible working schedule and some working from home where suitable.

What you 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

The main responsibilities for the role will include:

• Responsibility for the technical development of internal and customer‑specific development projects.
• Creating project plans and engineering documentation (DFMEA, DVP&R, etc.)
• Organising customer and internal meetings to support the project.
• Supporting costing and pricing activity for new products.
• Ensuring verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented for design reviews.
• Providing technical support to the Design, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Marketing and Commercial teams.
• Responsible for problem‑solving of design and product‑related issues.
• Resolving functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle.
• Developing specifications and test programmes.
• Analyzing and interpreting test result data.
• Creating and delivering reports to internal colleagues and external customers.
• Developing component manufacturing and providing schematics, CNC programming, manufacturing documentation/guidelines, hands‑on manufacturing support and training.
• Verification and validation activities including supporting internal and customer‑funded ballistic trials.
• Reviewing CAD and detailed designs.
• Providing material and processing knowledge to the wider business.

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

• Degree level education in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering full‑lifecycle design and development projects from concept to launch within an engineer‑to‑order technical environment.
• Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards, ideally within automotive or defence requirements.
• Familiarity with configuration control and change management.
• Knowledge and experience of engineering documentation such as FMEAs, DVP, SRD and SoW.
• Ability to communicate effectively on technical matters with peers, senior stakeholders and customers.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office.
• Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.
• Experience with PTC Creo, Simulate and Windchill PDM.
• Experience working with composite or plastic materials, including:
• Tooling design and design for manufacturability
• Processing using autoclave, compression moulding, injection moulding, etc.
• Experience working with and to ballistic test specifications, including:
• Body armour
• Vehicle armour
• Experience in materials testing, including:
• DoE (design of experiment)
• Analysis of materials test results
• Manufacturing design experience, including jig and fixture design for assembly and machining.

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.

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.

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.

Security Clearance

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.