Prototype and Test Engineer

Help bring the next generation of military vehicle systems from concept to reality.

We’re looking for a Prototype and Test Engineer to join our growing Armoured Vehicles team, supporting the development, integration and validation of innovative vehicle systems and protection solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development, helping transform engineering concepts into proven, tested solutions that protect those operating in the world’s most demanding environments.

You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy hands-on engineering, problem-solving and seeing products develop from early concepts through to testing and validation. Working alongside experienced engineers, technicians and project teams, you’ll gain exposure to the full product development lifecycle while playing a key role in shaping future vehicle capabilities. If you enjoy variety, practical engineering and working on products that genuinely save lives, this could be the perfect role for you.

What youll get in return

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. Thats 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

What youll be doing

In this role, you’ll support the engineering team in delivering vehicle and protection system development projects, helping take products from concept through prototype build and validation. You’ll be heavily involved in trial activities, prototype builds and testing programmes, giving you the opportunity to see engineering designs evolve into real-world solutions.

You’ll create test plans, coordinate testing activities and work with both internal teams and external suppliers to ensure components, assemblies and systems are evaluated effectively. This will allow you to develop valuable experience in product validation, engineering development and project delivery within a defence environment.

You’ll also work with engineering drawings, CAD models and Bills of Materials, helping ensure designs are correctly interpreted and prepared for build and test activities. Exposure to systems such as Creo, SolidWorks, Windchill and QAD will provide excellent opportunities to broaden your technical capability across design, manufacturing and product lifecycle management.

Working closely with engineers, technicians and project teams, you’ll contribute to solving technical challenges, supporting product improvements and helping deliver innovative vehicle systems that meet demanding customer requirements.

Do you have experience in SolidWorks?, We’re looking for someone who combines practical engineering capability with a hands-on, proactive approach to problem solving. You’ll ideally have:

• Apprentice-trained and/or Degree, HNC or HND qualified in an engineering discipline
• Experience within manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defence or similar engineering environments
• Previous experience as a Test Engineer, Test Technician, Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Technician
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Experience interrogating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
• Strong understanding of workshop practices and engineering fundamentals
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to support prototype builds and testing activities

Desirable

• Experience using Creo and/or SolidWorks
• Experience using PLM systems such as Windchill or EPDM
• Experience using ERP systems such as QAD
• Experience supporting prototype development, validation or product testing programmes

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.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Flexible schedule

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 incorporates some of the most advanced composite materials available. Alongside this, we design and deliver highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the worlds largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years and continues to grow across the UK and North America.