Job Title: Lead Engineer - Development
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri). 
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and Based On-site
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum (subject to experience)

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JOB SUMMARY

If you are a meticulous Lead Development Engineer and have a passion for designing, developing, and delivering exciting new personal protection products, you may be the person we are looking for to fill this unique and challenging role within the Defence sector!

​The role holder will be expected to take responsibility for multiple projects within the R&D function to ensure that they meet the necessary technical requirements and are delivered to cost and on schedule.

We use high performance composite materials across our range of armour products for effective lightweight protection of people and vehicles. Our range of combat proven body armour products contain some of the most advanced composite materials to form helmets, body plates, shields and a full range of bomb disposal suits. Our expertise also extends to highly engineered composite systems for armoured vehicles, providing a highly effective protective shield with outstanding ballistic and mechanical performance.

​If this sound that the role for you, keep reading as it only gets more interesting!

Do you want to know more? Visit our LinkedIn page to find out more about us!

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WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You will have good time management skills and demonstrate excellent communication abilities at all organisational levels, including external interactions. You will consistently display honesty and integrity and have a natural aptitude for motivating others and fostering collaborative behavior. You will need to be a competent problem solver, results-oriented, and driven to meet key project deadlines. You will actively seek to influence outcomes, demonstrate high energy and a proactive, can-do attitude, and be personally credible, known for reliable and valued delivery.

​BENEFITS

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

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JOB DUTIES

• Take technical responsibility for the development of internal and customer specific development projects.
• Create Project plans and engineering documentation (DFMEA, DVP&R etc.)
• Organise customer and internal meetings to support the project.
• Support of costing and pricing activity for new products
• Supporting design reviews ensuring verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented.
• Technical support to the Design, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Marketing and Commercial teams for proposed designs.
• Undertake problem solving of design and product issues to resolve functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle.
• Developing specifications and test programmes, analysis and interpretation of test result data and the creation and delivery of reports to internal colleagues and external customers.
• Support the developmental component manufacture and providing schematics, CNC programming, manufacturing documentation / guidelines, hands on manufacturing support and training.
• Supporting verification and validation activities including supporting internal and customer funded ballistic trials.
• Checking and reviewing of CAD and detailed designs
• Provide material and processing knowledge to the wider business.
• Oversight of Assembly and Build activities.

The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.

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EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Degree level education or equivalent in Engineering (Mechanical/Automotive) or similar subject.
• Previous experience working on design and development projects, inception to launch, within an engineer to order technical environment.
• Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards, ideally to automotive / defence requirements.
• Familiarity with configuration control and change management.
• Knowledge and experience of engineering documentation such as FMEA’s, DVP&R, SRD, SoW.
• Ability to communicate effectively on a technical level with both peer and management groups and customers.
• ​Proficient user of MS office software.

Desirable​
 

• Masters or PHD level qualifications in Engineering or Materials based subject.
• PTC Creo, Simulate and Windchill PDM
• Working with Composite/Plastic materials (Tooling design and design for manufacturability & Processing using Autoclave, Compression Moulding, Injection Moulding etc).
• Working with and to ballistic test specifications (Body Armour, Helmets & Vehicle Armour)
• Materials testing (DoE (Design of Experiment) & Analysis of materials test results).
• Manufacturing Design experience (Jig and Fixture Design for assembly and machining)

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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, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in 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, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding 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. 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 and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.