Lead Engineer - Performance Engineering

Job Reports To: Chief Engineer

Department: Composite Armour Systems (CAS)

Vacancy Type: Permanent, full time and based on-site. Potential hybrid working but subject to operational needs.

Lead Innovation. Engineer Safety. Are you ready to take the lead on engineering solutions that keep personnel safe in the most extreme environments?

As our Lead Engineer (Military Seating), you’ll drive the design, integration, and development of mission-critical seating systems for military platforms. From blast mitigation and ergonomics to safety compliance and customer-driven requirements, you’ll lead the charge in delivering solutions that truly make a difference.

You’ll bring technical expertise, big-picture thinking, and day-to-day leadership to a team focused on performance, quality, and continuous innovation. If you're looking for a role where engineering meets impact, and where your work protects those on the front lines, this could be your next step.

• Discretionary Half Year Bonus
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadets to attend yearly training/camp.
• Paid leave for employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined
• Life Cover – 3 x base salary
• BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan

Lead the engineering delivery for assigned projects or product lines, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, quality, and timing objectives.

• Interrogate and review 3D models using SolidWorks; Maintain full control over Bill of Materials (BoM), CAD models, and engineering drawings throughout the product lifecycle.
• Engineer to defined product targets, including cost, weight, performance, safety, and durability.
• Support the creation and execution of detailed project timelines and development plans.
• Ensure designs are optimised for manufacturing and assembly, considering real-world production constraints.
• Collaborate with and manage FEA engineers, ensuring analysis supports robust and validated design outcomes.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as QAD or SAP is an advantage.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ideally a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards chartered status.
• Proven experience in automotive, aerospace, or defence engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of design and manufacturing techniques for low-to-medium volume production, including welding, fabrication, machining, and composite materials.
• Full lifecycle design experience – from concept development and component/assembly design to detailed engineering drawings.
• Skilled in using 3D CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo) to interrogate models and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of material selection and its application in engineering solutions.
• Familiarity with structural performance assessments and collaboration with FEA engineers.
• Practical understanding of workshop theory and hands-on manufacturing processes.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global armour technology manufacturer and vehicle integrator with high performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to be the best at delivering products and services that bring our loved ones home and this is firmly embedded in our culture.

Our range of combat proven body armour from ballistic helmets, plates and shields to bomb disposal suits contains some of the most advanced composite materials and we have a team of R&D engineers working to develop next generation solutions. Our expertise also extends to highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

NP Aerospace was originally established in 1926 and has served the defence industry for over 40 years, growing into an agile and diverse company with an expanding Business Development team both in 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. 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. 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.

If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.