AddressJob Title:Engineering Manager (Composite Armour Systems)
Job Reports To: Director of Development
Department: Engineering
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.
Salary: £50,000 - £57,500 per annum + Discretionary Bonus
JOB SUMMARY
Are you a dynamic Engineering Manager eager for a fresh challenge and inspired to contribute to our mission of protecting lives? If you are ready for an exciting role, keep reading!
At NP Aerospace, the Engineering Manager plays a pivotal role in leading and managing our engineering team. Your responsibilities include ensuring the successful execution of diverse engineering projects, both internally and externally funded. Our projects are innovative, primarily centered around composite materials, where weight is crucial to application success. This role demands a blend of technical prowess, leadership, project management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
The role is primarily site-based, but there can be some flexibility around your working schedule and a level of working-from-home, where suitable.
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.
Do you want to know more? Visit our LinkedIn page to find out more about us!
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 – 3%/5% = 8% combined
- Life Cover – 3 x base salary
- BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan
Please note: Successful candidates will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and pass necessary checks before employment.
MAIN DUTIES
Technical:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of engineering principles, technologies, and industry trends.
- Set and uphold engineering standards and procedures.
- Provide support and guidance to the design and engineering communities when solving complex technical challenges.
- Responsible for the ‘sign off’ of products and projects against internal and external requirements and champion innovation in the technical area.
Team Leadership:
- Direct line management of 6–10 project engineers, providing guidance, mentorship, and support while maintaining the highest professional standards.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set goals, and assist in career development plans for team members.
Project Management:
- Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects within scope, budget, and timeline constraints.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for seamless project integration and delivery.
- Identify and mitigate risks and implement effective project management methodologies.
Resource Management:
- Work with the project and delivery teams to allocate resources efficiently and ensure the team has the necessary tools, equipment, and training for optimal performance.
Budgeting and Cost Control:
- Contribute to the development of engineering budgets and manage expenditures for cost-effectiveness.
- Implement strategies to optimise engineering processes and reduce operational costs.
- Provide support for new business development with projected costs for technical solutions and resource requirements.
Quality Assurance:
- Implement and uphold quality standards for engineering deliverables.
- Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure products meet or exceed industry or customer-specified standards.
Communication:
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders, including executives, clients, and team members.
- Provide regular updates on project status, challenges, and successes
Regulatory Compliance:
- Stay informed about industry regulations and standards.
- Ensure that engineering processes and outputs comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.
CRITICAL OUTPUTS
- Lead and oversee the successful launch of new products satisfying time, cost, and performance criteria.
- Write and run verification and validation activities, confirming adherence to the technical specification.
- Become a Subject Matter Expert for NP Aerospace armour product lines, supporting new and existing customers.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate Mechanical Engineering or similar subject.
- Suitable experience working on design and development projects, inception to launch, within a technical environment.
- Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards, ideally to automotive / defence requirements. Must include an understanding of GD&T.
- Familiarity with configuration control and change management procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively on a technical level with management groups and customers.
- Experience of line management and/or team leadership in a technical delivery scenario.
Desirable
- MEng/CEng in Mechanical Engineering or similar subject.
- Experience in compiling FMEA’s, DVP&R, SRD, SoW.
- Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design. Experience with PTC Creo, Simulate and Windchill PDM.
- Experience working with composite materials.
- Experience working with ballistic test specifications.
- Manufacturing experience including compression and autoclave moulding, machining, fabrication, and assembly.
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.
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.
