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- Tasks: Design and develop protective vehicle systems using 3D CAD, collaborating with teams for optimal performance.
- Company: NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology with over 40 years of defence expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, paid leave for Reservists, and a solid pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by working on life-saving projects in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; CAD proficiency required, especially in Creo.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and supporting the Defence Community.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
This range is provided by NP Aerospace. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Job Title: Design Engineer – Armoured Vehicles
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.
At NP Aerospace, we don’t just design for innovation – we design to protect lives.
We’re looking for a Design Engineer to develop advanced, mission‑critical armoured vehicle systems used across global defence platforms. This role is central to how we protect lives in the field, you won’t be maintaining legacy drawings but creating engineered solutions that are deployed in some of the toughest environments in the world.
You’ll thrive here if you enjoy hands‑on engineering, solving real‑world design challenges, and taking full ownership across the product lifecycle. Working in a fast‑paced and highly technical environment, you’ll influence everything from 3D design and materials selection to manufacturability and integration. If you’re passionate about designing equipment that makes a genuine difference, this could be the perfect role for you.
What’s in it for you?
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 Cadet volunteers (including 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 take ownership of designing armoured vehicle systems from concept through to low‑ and medium‑volume production. You’ll create advanced 3D CAD models, ensuring each design meets strict performance, weight, cost, and safety requirements for real‑world deployment.
You’ll work closely with Engineering, R&D, Fabrication, and Manufacturing teams to translate concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions. You’ll manage BOMs and drawings through our PLM system (Windchill), support vehicle integration activities, and contribute to testing, evaluation, and iterative product improvements.
As part of a specialist engineering team, you’ll play a key role in shaping next‑generation defence technology with plenty of variety, hands‑on problem solving, and opportunities to influence final design outcomes.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who brings strong engineering capability, practical problem‑solving, and a passion for high‑performance design. You’ll ideally have:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands‑on engineering experience
- Experience in defence, aerospace, automotive, or another high-integrity engineering environment
- Proficiency in 3D CAD – SolidWorks is essential; experience with Creo is a strong advantage
- Practical understanding of fabrication, machining, and composite materials
- A hands‑on mindset with the ability to solve complex technical problems
- Strong communication and collaboration skills when working across engineering teams
- Bonus: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards it
About NP Aerospace
We’re a global armour technology company with over 40 years of defence expertise. From ballistic plates and bomb suits to armoured vehicles and helmets, our products are trusted by some of the world’s most respected defence organisations. Innovation, protection and performance are at the heart of everything we do.
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. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
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 before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
- Engineering, Design, and Project Management
Industries
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Engineering Services
- Manufacturing
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Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles employer: NP Aerospace
Contact Detail:
NP Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, particularly Creo. If you haven't used it before, consider taking an online course or watching tutorials to get a good grasp of its functionalities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with current employees at NP Aerospace or similar companies. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with composite materials and fabrication processes during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you successfully balanced cost, weight, and strength in your designs.
✨Tip Number 4
Research NP Aerospace's recent projects and innovations in armoured vehicle design. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your skills align with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in defence, aerospace, or automotive sectors. Emphasise your proficiency in CAD software, especially Creo, and any experience with composite materials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and how your skills align with the role of Design Engineer at NP Aerospace. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to solve complex design challenges.
Highlight Team Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively. This could be through past projects where teamwork was essential to success.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled engineering problems in the past. Discuss your approach to balancing cost, weight, and strength targets in your designs, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NP Aerospace
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your proficiency in CAD software, especially Creo, during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used these skills to solve complex design challenges.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research NP Aerospace and their commitment to providing life-saving technology. Demonstrating an understanding of their mission and how your role as a Design Engineer contributes to that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to balance cost, weight, and strength in your designs. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed these factors in a project.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve worked with others to achieve a common goal, particularly in high-pressure situations.
