Lead Engineer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 24 March 2026
LOCATION
Coventry, UK
TYPE
Contract
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Engineering
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Electro-mechanical systems Mechanical system architecture Configuration management Systems engineering 3D CAD CAE Fabrication Machining

FULL DESCRIPTION

Lead Engineer

Coventry, UK (Onsite)

£45,000 – £55,000 per annum (Fixed-Term Contract) *or* £350 – £375 per day (Ltd Company Contractor – Outside IR35)

Lead Engineer

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.

Technical Leadership & Ownership

  • 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

Engineering Delivery & Governance

  • 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

Cross-Functional & Customer Collaboration

  • 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

The Person

Degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering or related discipline

Experience within 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 [contact hidden] or call me on [contact hidden] for more information.

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