Design Engineer

Job Title

Design Engineer

Coventry, UK

08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Full-time, 6 month Contract and onsite

£35,000 - £45,000 per annum FTC or £275 - £350 per day contract (subject to experience)

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

We’re looking for immediately available Design Engineers to join our Coventry-based team, developing advanced vehicle protection and integration solutions used across global defence programmes. These temporary roles will work from initial concept through to production designing systems that directly enhance the safety and performance of those who serve on the frontline.

In this hands‑on role, you’ll be immersed in 3D CAD design, working with complex materials, assemblies and components that must perform in the toughest real‑world environments.

We’re offering two engagement routes, depending on how you want to work:

• £35,000 - £45,000 per annum on a Fixed‑Term Contract (FTC) with NP Aerospace – including full employee benefits (see below)
• £275 - £350 per day if you join as a Ltd Company Contractor (outside IR35)

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

You’ll take ownership of mechanical designs from concept through to low/medium‑volume manufacture – producing accurate 3D models and detailed engineering drawings. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams, you’ll ensure every design balances weight, cost, performance and durability.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, cross‑functional team supporting the integration of specialist equipment into armoured vehicles – solving complex challenges and ensuring designs are both functional and field‑ready.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll manage your CAD data, BoMs and drawing packs using PLM tools (Windchill preferred) while supporting design reviews, testing and iterative improvements across multiple projects.

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience
• Experience with in defence, aerospace or automotive engineering
• Proficiency in 3D CAD – Creo (9.0 or higher) required;
  Solid Works experience highly desirable
• Knowledge of fabrication, machining and composite materials
• Hands‑on, practical problem‑solving mindset with a focus on manufacturability and quality
• Chartered (CEng) status or working towards it would be an advantage

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…