At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop and test next-gen military vehicle systems.
- Company: NP Aerospace, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming engineering concepts into life-saving solutions.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and hands-on problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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: £40,000-£50,000 (subject to experience)
About the role
Help bring the next generation of military vehicle systems from concept to reality. We’re looking for a Prototype and Test Engineer to join our growing Armoured Vehicles team, supporting the development, integration and validation of innovative vehicle systems and protection solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development, helping transform engineering concepts into proven, tested solutions that protect those operating in the world’s most demanding environments. You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy hands‑on engineering, problem‑solving and seeing products develop from early concepts through to testing and validation. Working alongside experienced engineers, technicians and project teams, you’ll gain exposure to the full product development lifecycle while playing a key role in shaping future vehicle capabilities. If you enjoy variety, practical engineering and working on products that genuinely save lives, this could be the perfect role for you.
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 engineering team in delivering vehicle and protection system development projects, helping take products from concept through prototype build and validation. You’ll be heavily involved in trial activities, prototype builds and testing programmes, giving you the opportunity to see engineering designs evolve into real‑world solutions. You’ll create test plans, coordinate testing activities and work with both internal teams and external suppliers to ensure components, assemblies and systems are evaluated effectively. This will allow you to develop valuable experience in product validation, engineering development and project delivery within a defence environment. You’ll also work with engineering drawings, CAD models and Bills of Materials, helping ensure designs are correctly interpreted and prepared for build and test activities. Exposure to systems such as Creo, SolidWorks, Windchill and QAD will provide excellent opportunities to broaden your technical capability across design, manufacturing and product lifecycle management. Working closely with engineers, technicians and project teams, you’ll contribute to solving technical challenges, supporting product improvements and helping deliver innovative vehicle systems that meet demanding customer requirements.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines practical engineering capability with a hands‑on, proactive approach to problem solving. You’ll ideally have:
- Apprentice‑trained and/or Degree, HNC or HND qualified in an engineering discipline
- Experience within manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defence or similar engineering environments
- Previous experience as a Test Engineer, Test Technician, Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Technician
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Experience interrogating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
- Strong understanding of workshop practices and engineering fundamentals
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- A practical, hands‑on approach with a willingness to support prototype builds and testing activities
- Experience using Creo and/or SolidWorks
- Experience using PLM systems such as Windchill or EPDM
- Experience using ERP systems such as QAD
- Experience supporting prototype development, validation or product testing programmes
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.
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.
Prototype and Test Engineer in Coventry employer: NP Aerospace, Ltd.
At NP Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Coventry where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a robust benefits package that includes performance rewards and health support. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to creating life-saving technologies while enjoying a supportive culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype and Test Engineer 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 Prototype and Test Engineer 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 Prototype and Test Engineer 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.
