Research and Development Engineer in Coventry

Job Title: R&D Engineer L 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: £37 ,500-£47,500 (subject to experience )

About the role

We’re looking for a collaborative and hands‑on Research and Development Engineer to help develop advanced armour systems that protect military and law enforcement personnel. From ballistic helmets, shields and body armour plates to vehicle protection solutions, your work will contribute directly to products designed to improve and protect lives. This is an exciting opportunity to support the full product development lifecycle, taking ideas from early-stage design through testing, validation and delivery. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations and Sales, helping to ensure our products meet demanding technical, safety and quality standards while being delivered on time and within budget. You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working practically with composite materials and collaborating across different teams to turn innovative ideas into manufacturable, high-performance products.

What you’ll get in return

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• 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 support product development from early-stage concepts through design, manufacture, testing, trials and final delivery. This will include helping to define technical specifications, materials, manufacturing processes and quality standards for advanced armour products. You’ll plan and support verification and validation activities for internal and customer-funded projects. You’ll develop trial programmes and test documentation, analyse results and produce clear technical reports that help the business make informed engineering decisions. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations and Sales, you’ll investigate and resolve product and design issues throughout the development lifecycle. You’ll help ensure technical requirements are understood, risks are controlled and projects remain aligned with agreed cost, quality and delivery objectives. You’ll also support component manufacturing by producing or interpreting schematics, contributing to CNC programming, providing tooling and processing guidance and helping colleagues understand new methods and product requirements. 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 someone who combines sound engineering knowledge with a practical, collaborative approach. You should be comfortable working across the product lifecycle and communicating technical information to a range of stakeholders.

Essential

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Experience supporting design and development projects within an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Confidence reading, interpreting and working with engineering drawings, technical specifications and relevant standards
• Knowledge of engineering change management, configuration control and technical documentation, such as FMEA, DVP&R and statements of work
• Strong problem-solving and data-analysis skills, with the ability to produce clear and accurate technical reports
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience using AI‑assisted tools, or a willingness to learn and apply them effectively in the role

Desirable

• Experience using 3D CAD software, ideally PTC Creo, and product data management systems such as Windchill
• Knowledge of ballistic testing, armour systems or composite materials
• Practical experience of compression moulding, autoclave moulding, fabrication or assembly processes
• Familiarity with tooling design, CNC programming and design for manufacture
• Experience managing engineering project costs, timescales and technical deliverables

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 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.

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.

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