Job Title: Design Engineer - Armoured Vehicles
Job Reports To:Chief Engineer
Department:VSSS
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.
Salary: £35,000-£45,000 (subject to experience)
At NP Aerospace, we don’t just design for innovation – we design to protect lives.
We’re looking for a Design Engineer to join our specialist team, developing complex, mission-critical tactical and armoured vehicle systems used across global defence platforms. You won’t be maintaining legacy CAD drawings – you’ll be at the centre of designing, refining, and delivering protective systems that are field-deployed in the toughest environments.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of full lifecycle product development – from 3D design and stress considerations to materials, manufacturability, and integration. It’s hands-on. It’s varied. And what you create will matter.
£35,000–£45,000 salary (based on experience)
Half-year discretionary bonus
25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays + holiday purchase scheme
Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadet volunteers
9% combined pension (4% employer / 5% employee)
Life cover (3x salary)
BHSF cash healthcare plan
Flexible hours (Mon–Thu 08:00–16:35, Fri 08:00–15:10)
High-impact projects with real responsibility
Designing advanced vehicle systems in 3D CAD
Taking ownership of designs from concept to low-/medium-volume production
Managing BOMs and drawings using PLM (Windchill preferred)
Balancing weight, cost, and performance for real-world deployment
Working with fabrication, machining, and composite materials
Supporting test, evaluation, and iterative improvements with Engineering and R&D teams
A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience
Engineering experience in defence, aerospace, or automotive sectors
Proficiency in 3D CAD – SolidWorks is required; Creo experience would be a strong advantage
Practical knowledge of fabrication, machining, and composite materials
A hands-on, problem-solving mindset with an eye for real-world performance
Chartered (CEng) status is a plus – or you’re 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.