Design Project Engineer

Job Title: Design Project Engineer - Special Projects Location: Coventry, UK Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri) Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent, Hybrid Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (subject to experience) + Discretionary Bonus JOB SUMMARY NP Aerospace uses high performance composite materials across our armour and commercial composite products, delivering lightweight protection for people and vehicles. This role is advertised to support the Design and Engineering activities associated with Special Projects arising in the business. The role is to support the Special Projects Director in the fulfilment of internally and externally funded projects to enhance the product offerings of NP Aerospace. The Special projects department is a newly created department initially focussing on the following key projects: * Develop a portfolio of standalone composite platform armour to satisfy the needs of platform customers in the UK, Europe and US with a range of certified products offering different levels of protection with short manufacturing lead times. * Specific cost down activity associated with existing long term composite project to secure multiyear contracts going forward. * Develop a defence focused structural composite business stream focused on the growth in unmanned systems in conjunction with GTR composites. * Project and Design Engineering responsibility for funded North American vehicle up armour project taking solutions from test coupon phase to fully integrated add on armour along with flat and shaped spall liner panels. Does it sound interesting? 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 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES The main responsibilities for the role will include: * Generating designs which may include material selection, defining processing parameters, CAD, drafting. * Supporting design reviews ensuring verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented. * Technical support to the Design, Development, Quality and Manufacturing Engineering teams for proposed designs. * Working closely with engineering and project teams both in NPA Coventry, NPA Canada and with the North American customer to successfully deliver project requirements. * Undertake problem solving of design and product issues to resolve functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle. * 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. * Support the developmental component manufacture and providing schematics, CNC programming, manufacturing documentation / guidelines, hands on manufacturing support and training. * Working alongside the business development and marketing departments to provide input into platform armour sales literature. * Creation of product structures to ensure accurate capture of bill of materials * Generation of drawings to support accurate recording of solutions tested and verified. The above is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. 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. EXPERIENCE Essential * Experience in 3D CAD modelling and detail design. * 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. * Creative problem-solving capabilities and the ability to use lateral thinking to drive towards innovative new solutions. * Familiarity with configuration control and change management. * Ability to communicate effectively on a technical level with both peer and management groups and customers. * Proven experience in a manufacturing or production environment, ideally within the composites industry. * Confident working to process and recording work accurately for traceability. * Ability to work independently when required, while collaborating with the wider team. * Good communication skills and a practical, solutions focused approach. * Strong time management and an ability to adapt to changing priorities. * Use a hands-on approach to drive forward progress with urgency. * Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in 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. 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