Lead Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Systems Engineer

Lead Engineer

Coventry, UK (Onsite) – Salary + Benefits: £45,000-£55,000 per annum (Fixed-Term Contract) or £350-£375 per day (Ltd Company Contractor - Outside IR35) – Shift Pattern /

Working Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 08:00-16:35;
Friday: 08:00-15:10 – Must hold active UK Security Clearance.

An established engineering organisation operating within the defence vehicle sector is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to support a period of sustained programme growth. This role focuses on delivering next-generation vehicle systems for global defence programmes and future mobility developments. You will take technical ownership of complex electro‑mechanical systems, ensuring solutions meet demanding customer, regulatory, and operational requirements. Working within a collaborative, engineering-led environment, you will contribute directly to programmes that deliver advanced protection and mobility capabilities.

Both fixed-term and day-rate engagement options are available for an immediate start.

• Take overall technical responsibility for assigned vehicle system projects
• Ensure designs meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Guide engineering solutions from concept through validation and qualification
• Balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, and long-term supportability

• Manage engineering change, configuration control, and systems integration activities
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and qualification programmes
• Drive robust root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Produce and review high-quality engineering documentation and data packs

• Work closely with Chief Engineers, Project Managers, and Design teams
• Support bid activity, proposals, and technical submissions
• Engage with customers during technical reviews and evaluations
• Provide technical guidance across production and in-service support environments

• Degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering or related discipline
• Experience with in defence, aerospace, automotive, or comparable engineering sectors
• Strong understanding of electro‑mechanical and/or mechanical system architecture
• Knowledge of fabrication, machining, and composite manufacturing processes
• Practical, hands‑on problem‑solving approach with a focus on quality and manufacturability
• Experience with configuration management, change control, and systems engineering principles
• Familiarity with 3D CAD, CAE, or simulation tools
• Understanding of regulated or defence‑related programme environments
• Experience supporting bids, proposals, or complex engineering programme delivery
• Must hold active UK Security Clearance

This is a fantastic opportunity to take technical ownership within a highly engineered and mission‑critical environment. If you are a technically credible leader who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and delivering real‑world impact, we would welcome your application. If this role sounds like the perfect fit for your skills and experience, please get in touch with Envisage Recruitment today. Submit your CV and a cover letter to or call me on  for more information.

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• West Midlands
• Contract or Temp

Key details

Location:

Coventry
Contract length: 3 months initially, with extensions expected
Rate: £19 per hour
DBS Required

Manufacturing Engineer
Coventry, UK (Onsite)
Salary + Benefits
£35,000 – £42,500 per annum (Fixed-Term Contract) or £200 – £250 per day Outside IR