Research And Development Engineer - Military Armour Systems

Job Title: R&D / Project Engineer
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and On-site 5 days per week
Salary: £37,500 - £47,500 per annum (subject to experience)
JOB SUMMARY
​Join Our Team as a R&D Project Engineer!
​Are you passionate about innovation and eager to contribute to cutting-edge defence protection systems?
We are looking for a R&D / Project Engineer looking for a challenge and who can join forces with our talented Design and Technical teams to ensure that programmes and projects meet the necessary technical requirements and are delivered to cost and on schedule.
You will be crucial to delivering cutting-edge protection systems for Military and Law Enforcement partners, both for personal protection including body armour plates, ballistic shields, ballistic helmets, bomb disposal suits as well as ballistic and blast protection for vehicle platforms.
Roles like this don’t come round very often so if you are up for the challenge and want to work for a fast paced and unique company that designs, manufactures and integrates advanced protective products, you may have found the role you have been looking for!
Do you want to know more about NP Aerospace? Visit our LinkedIn page and NPA Careers Page to find out more about us!
Please note: Due to operational needs, this is an on-site role 5 days a week at our Foleshill Road site.
BENEFITS
Discretionary Half Year Bonuses
Flexible start and finish working hours (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
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
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Technical support to the Development, Design, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Sales teams.
• 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.
• Defining and executing product development plans, statements of work and program budgets.
• Supporting design reviews ensuring verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented.
• Undertake problem solving of design and product issues to resolve functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle.
• Support the developmental and production component manufacture and providing schematics, CNC programming, manufacturing documentation / guidelines, hands on manufacturing support and training.
• Supporting verification and validation activities including internal and customer funded trials.
• Supporting design definition including material selection, processing parameters and quality assurance activities.
The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.
​CRITICAL OUTPUTS AND ACHIEVEMENT REQUIRED
• Successful launch of new products, to cost and on schedule.
• Write and run verification and validation activities, confirming adherence to the technical specification.
• Become a SME for NP Aerospace armour product lines, supporting new and existing customers.
​EXPERIENCE
Essential
• Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate Mechanical Engineering or similar subject.
• Previous experience working on design and development projects, inception to launch, within an engineer to order technical environment.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards, ideally to automotive / defence requirements.
• Familiarity with configuration control and change management.
• Ability to communicate effectively on a technical level with both peer and management groups and customers.
• Experience in compiling FMEA’s, DVP&R, SRD, SoW.
• Proficient user of MS office software.
Desirable
• Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design
• Experience with PTC Creo and Windchill PDM
• Experience working with Composite materials.
• Experience working with and to ballistic test specifications
• Manufacturing experience including compression and autoclave moulding, machining, fabrication and assembly.
• Experience of managing project cost and timelines.
• Familiar with Tooling Design and Design for manufacturability.
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