At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects, solve complex problems, and develop innovative vehicle solutions.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in defence engineering with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to innovate and use AI tools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on military capabilities while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering, strong systems engineering skills, and experience in defence or automotive sectors.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type: Full-time, 3-6 month FTC with possible extensions and onsite
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (subject to experience) + discretionary bonuses
About the role
At NP Aerospace, we're looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership across our Protected Mobility programmes. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of some of our most complex engineering challenges, bringing together systems engineering, vehicle technology and armour expertise to develop solutions for demanding defence applications.
You’ll work across the full engineering lifecycle from concept and requirements through design, integration, testing and into production while providing technical direction to engineering teams, suppliers and customers. If you’re an experienced systems or vehicle engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing technical decisions and seeing your engineering work translated into real-world military capability, this is a role where you can make a genuine impact.
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
You'll provide systems engineering leadership across Protected Mobility programmes, working closely with our Chief Engineer, Programme teams, engineering specialists and customers to develop balanced, technically robust vehicle solutions. You'll analyse and flow down system and sub-system requirements, develop specifications and functional architectures, and support the implementation of design solutions. You'll also assess competing technologies, identify viable solutions and help shape technical standards and guidelines across the business.
A key part of the role will be working with subcontractors and suppliers throughout design, integration, test and acceptance, ensuring technical requirements are understood and delivered. You'll also contribute to internal and external design reviews and provide clear technical briefings to senior leadership. You'll work across the complete engineering lifecycle, supporting systems engineering integration and test, manufacturing builds and issue resolution. This is a role where you'll be expected to take ownership, bring people together and drive complex technical issues through to resolution. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to innovation and the continued development of NP Aerospace's systems engineering capability. 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.
What we’re looking for
- We're looking for an experienced engineer who can combine strong systems engineering capability with technical leadership, commercial awareness and the confidence to influence customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
- Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline
- Proven experience leading activities on engineering development programmes
- Proven system design and analysis experience using a SysML tool
- Experience working across the full systems engineering lifecycle
- Proven experience managing subcontractors through design, integration, test and acceptance
- Ability to create and maintain high-quality technical documentation
- Ability to lead or support the development of technical standards and guidelines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills
- Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and potentially overseas
- Ability to hold UK Security Clearance (SC)
- Experience working on large defence systems or protected mobility programmes
- Automotive experience, particularly in:
- Hydraulic systems such as brakes and steering
- Vehicle structures and structural body systems
- Chassis systems including wheel ends, hubs, bearings and ball joints
- Familiarity with Defence Standards, Military Standards and EC Directives
- Appreciation of the Defence Lines of Development (DLODs)
- Chartered Engineer status or membership at CEng level with a UK professional engineering institution such as IET or IMechE
Principal Engineer in Coventry employer: NP Aerospace, Ltd.
At NP Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a strong focus on career development, we provide our Principal Engineers with the opportunity to tackle complex engineering challenges while contributing to meaningful defence applications. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous holiday allowance, performance rewards, and health support initiatives, making NP Aerospace a rewarding place to build your career in Coventry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Coventry
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Engineer role you’re after at NP Aerospace, Ltd..
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at NP Aerospace, Ltd. a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at NP Aerospace, Ltd..
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Engineer at NP Aerospace, Ltd., apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at NP Aerospace, Ltd. a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to NP Aerospace, Ltd. specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at NP Aerospace, Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with NP Aerospace, Ltd., make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like NP Aerospace, Ltd. want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
