Lead Development Engineer

Job Title: Lead Engineer - Development

Reports To: Director of Development

Department: Development

Location: Coventry, UK

Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Permanent

Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, subject to experience + Discretionary Bonuses

The Job

As a Lead Development Engineer at NP Aerospace, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of lightweight, combat proven protection solutions. Our armour products use high performance composite materials to protect people and vehicles, from helmets, body plates, shields and bomb disposal suits through to highly engineered composite systems for armoured vehicles, delivering outstanding ballistic and mechanical performance at significantly reduced weight compared with steel.

This is a role for an engineer who enjoys ownership and pace. You will take responsibility for multiple projects within our R&D function, turning requirements into practical, tested solutions that meet technical expectations and are delivered to cost and schedule. Working across design, manufacturing, quality and commercial teams, you will help drive development activity from concept through to validation, with real world impact on products that protect lives.

The role is primarily site based, with a flexible working schedule and some working from home where suitable.

Does this sound like your kind of challenge? If so, keep reading!

What you 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

• Responsibility for the technical development of internal and customer specific development projects.
• Creating Project plans and engineering documentation (DFMEA, DVP&R etc.)
• Organising customer and internal meetings to support the project
• Supporting costing and pricing activity for new products
• Ensuring verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented for design reviews
• Providing technical support to the Design, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Marketing and Commercial teams
• Responsible for problem solving of design and product related issues
• Resolving functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle
• Developing specifications and test programmes
• Analysing and interpreting test result data
• Creating and delivering reports to internal colleagues and external customers
• Developing component manufacture and providing schematics, CNC programming, manufacturing documentation / guidelines, hands on manufacturing support and training

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.

Ability assessment

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to deliver a short presentation on a relevant engineering topic. Full details and preparation guidance will be shared in advance of the final interview stage.

Experience required

Essential

• Degree level education in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering full lifecycle design and development projects from concept 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 within automotive or defence requirements.
• Familiarity with configuration control and change management.
• Knowledge and experience of engineering documentation such as FMEAs, DVP and R, SRD and SoW.
• Ability to communicate effectively on technical matters with peers, senior stakeholders and customers.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office.
• Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.

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.