Design Engineer

Job Title: Design Engineer Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and onsite
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (subject to experience)

Security Clearance: Full UK Security Clearance (SC) required

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About the role

At NP Aerospace, we don’t just design to innovate, we design to protect.

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We’re looking for a Design Engineer to join our Coventry-based team, supporting the delivery of advanced vehicle protection and integration solutions used across demanding engineering and defence programmes. You’ll turn engineering requirements into accurate CAD models, detailed drawings and practical designs that can be manufactured, assembled and delivered to the customer.

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This is a hands-on design delivery role, with a strong focus on CAD, engineering drawings, assemblies and manufacturability. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, seeing your designs develop from initial concepts through to production and integration.

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You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex, real-world engineering challenges involving specialist materials, fabricated components and vehicle systems, while developing your technical capability within a global business.​

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What you’ll get in return

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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:

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• 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

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You’ll produce accurate 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings and assembly designs that support the delivery of low- and medium-volume engineering products. You’ll ensure designs are clear, practical and suitable for manufacture, taking account of tolerances, materials, fabrication methods, assembly requirements, cost and durability.

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Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, you’ll help resolve design issues, improve existing products and support the transition from design into production. Your work may include fabricated components, sheet-metal parts, brackets, enclosures, assemblies and specialist vehicle integration solutions.

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You’ll manage CAD data, engineering BoMs and drawing packs through PLM systems, helping maintain accurate and controlled design information. Creo and Windchill are preferred, although relevant experience using SolidWorks may also be considered.

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You’ll contribute to design reviews, prototyping, testing and design improvements, but the main focus of the role is delivering high-quality CAD and drawing outputs that enable manufacturing teams to build products correctly and efficiently.

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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.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a practical and technically capable Design Engineer who enjoys producing accurate designs, solving engineering problems and seeing their work become physical products.​

Essential​

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical engineering experience​

• Proven experience working in a mechanical design engineering environment​

• Experience producing 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings​

• Demonstrable experience using a professional CAD package​

• Good understanding of mechanical design principles, tolerances and manufacturability​

• Experience working with assemblies, components and engineering BoMs​

• Practical understanding of fabrication, sheet-metal bending and/or machining processes​

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail​

• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, drawings and manufacturing information​

• Ability to work collaboratively across Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain​

• Full UK Security Clearance (SC), or the ability to obtain and maintain it​

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Desirable​

• Experience using Creo, particularly Creo Parametric​

• Experience using Windchill or another PLM system​

• Experience using SolidWorks​

• Experience within defence, aerospace, automotive, specialist vehicles or another highly regulated engineering environment​

• Experience designing for low- or medium-volume manufacture​

• Experience working with composite materials​

• Experience with fabricated structures, sheet-metal components or complex assemblies​

A key requirement​

Full UK Security Clearance (SC) is required for this position. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the necessary clearance.​

Creo and Windchill experience are preferred, but candidates with strong, transferable CAD and mechanical design experience including SolidWorks may also be considered. Defence experience would be beneficial, although practical design delivery experience within fabrication, sheet-metal, automotive, aerospace or similar manufacturing environments is equally relevant.​

This role is normally office-based five days per week in Coventry.​

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What do we do at NP Aerospace?

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NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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