Lead Engineer

Job Title: Lead Engineer – Defence Protection Systems

Location: London ON Canada + potential travel to UK and USA

Hours: 40 hrs per week (Mon to Fri) based on-site

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 CDN (subject to experience) + Bonuses + Benefits

Join Our Team as a Lead Engineer at NP Aerospace!

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in shaping advanced protection solutions? As Lead Engineer, you’ll oversee and manage people and projects with a focus on developing, producing, and implementing cutting-edge composite armour & military seating products for a variety of clients. This exciting role requires a strong mix of technical expertise, personnel & project management skills, and a commitment to delivering excellence.

In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of creating innovative protection systems for Canada’s Military and Law Enforcement personnel. From ballistic body armour plates, shields, and helmets to advanced ballistic and blast protection for vehicles, your work will directly support those who protect our country.

As a leader of our growing Canadian team, you’ll manage every stage of the product development cycle—from pre-contract work to initial concept and design through prototyping, testing, and production. Your contributions will drive high-quality protection solutions that make a real difference for Canada’s Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies.

This is your chance to lead impactful projects and be part of the future of defence technology. Join us and help safeguard those who serve!

Visit our LinkedIn page to find out more about us.

BENEFITS

• Discretionary Half Year Bonuses
• Benefits package starting day 1 (including Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance)
• 3 weeks paid vacation, plus week before New Year’s Day, and 2 additional ‘floater’ days
• Strong growth potential
• Flexible working hours (subject to manager approval)

JOB DUTIES

• Lead cross-functional projects in the design, development, and implementation of vehicle and protective systems, ensuring alignment with client requirements, budget constraints, and timeline objectives.
• Supervision, administration & oversight of NPA Canada’s project engineering team members.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight throughout the project lifecycle, leveraging your expertise in materials science, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes.
• Manage (as primary, or in support of Project Manager) ongoing and future Canadian based projects.
• Foster strong relationships with clients by serving as a point of contact, understanding their needs, addressing concerns, and proactively communicating project updates and milestones.
• Support design reviews and ensure verification and validation activities are demonstrated and documented.
• Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clients.
• Undertake problem solving of design and product issues to resolve functional issues as they arise throughout the development and service life cycle.
• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with project execution, develop mitigation strategies, and implement contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure project continuity.
• Develop specifications and test programs, analyse and interpret test result data and create reports to internal colleagues and external customers.
• Run and/or support verification and validation activities including internal and customer funded trials.
• Support of the marketing and sales part of the business to introduce new products to the market.

The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

CRITICAL OUTPUTS AND ACHIEVEMENT REQUIRED

• Successful delivery of concept designs and launch of new products, on time, to cost and on schedule.
• Oversee the planning and execution of design and validation activities on military vehicle sub-systems.
• Support first off and prototype builds as well as transitions into full production.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Degree or equivalent (i.e. diploma or experience) in Mechanical Engineering or an appropriate, similar subject.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in a systems or design engineering role.
• 3+ years of experience in the management of an engineering team.
• Previous experience working on design and development projects, inception to launch, within an engineer to order technical environment.
• Proficient with the use of 3D CAD modelling and design software.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and design standards including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, ideally to automotive / defence requirements.
• Excellent communication with peers, management groups, and customers.
• An effective and credible personal style engaging with internal and external customers and suppliers.
• Proficient user of MS office software.
• Experience in compiling engineering documentation such as FMEA’s, DVP&R, SRDs, SoWs.
• Familiar with configuration control and change management processes.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident eligible to receive Canadian security clearance.

Desirable

• Experience in the field of survivability/ballistic protection & working to industry specifications (AEP 2920, AEP 55, NIJ0101 etc.).
• Experience in the application and manufacture of lightweight materials used in armour protection (e.g. ceramics & composites).
• Knowledge of armoured steel properties and manufacturing best practices.
• Proficient in the use of SolidWorks, PTC Creo, PTC Simulate and Windchill PDM.

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, color, 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.