20 Defence Engineering jobs in the United Kingdom

Physicist - Defence Sector Engineering - Cambridge

A growing Defence company, based in Cambridge, offers an exciting opportunity for a Physicist to work on a wide range of cutting-edge technologies that will enhance the UK's defence against external threats, with a focus on defensive technologies rather than offensive ones.

You will be involved in a variety of physics projects, including (but not limited to) thermal, optics, electromagnetics, acoustics, fluidics, chemical, and other scientific technologies. If you have experience with complex projects in these fields, I recommend providing as much detail as possible on your CV.

We are open to candidates from various sectors; however, it will be highly advantageous if you already have experience in the Defence sector.

As you will be working in the Defence sector, you will need to be able to obtain security clearance or already hold security clearance.

Given the increasing importance of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in various sectors, a keen interest in these areas would be welcomed, as many of your projects will involve work in this field.

In addition to working on complex and cutting-edge technologies, you will also be rewarded with an excellent starting salary, dependant on experience. The compensation package includes a bonus, enhanced pension, dental care, gym access, free lunch, and other excellent benefits.

The level of experience sought can range from a PhD holder who has worked in a post-doc role to someone with years of industry experience. We are looking to recruit several individuals for this team, so if you are in the early stages of your career, you will receive development opportunities, and if you are further along in your career, you will have the chance to mentor junior team members.

This company places a strong emphasis on collaboration, both within the team, with other teams, and with external parties.

Given the anticipated high level of interest in this role, and the company's desire to recruit quickly, I recommend applying immediately if you are interested in this position to avoid missing out.

For more general information, please feel free to call Andrew Welsh, Director of Medical Devices Recruitment, and Scientific Recruitment Specialists Newton Colmore, on (phone number removed), or submit an application, and one of our team members at Newton Colmore will contact you. Please note we will not be able to discuss the role specifics until we have a copy of your CV.

• Surface prep using abrasive, vapour and grit blasting.
• Applying coatings and finishes to aerospace parts in line with PQPs and route cards.
• Spraying parts to exact tolerances and technical specifications.
• Following Standard Operating Procedures and structured daily routines.
• Keeping records up to date and reporting any non-conformances.
• Using PPE and maintaining a safe, clean work area.
• Carrying out routine maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Working alongside other departments to meet quality and delivery targets.

• Either apprenticeship trained or significant hands-on industry experience.
• A solid background in aerospace or precision manufacturing is ideal.
• Able to read and interpret SOPs, technical drawings and process sheets.
• Skilled in manual finishing and coating methods.
• Quality-focused with a steady, methodical approach.
• Good team player who takes responsibility for their own work.
• Familiarity with NADCAP and AS9100 standards.
• Basic knowledge of lean principles (5S) would be useful.

• £36,028.25  salary including shift premium.
• 3 shift rotation
• Overtime paid at time and a half
• 37-hour week with early finish every Friday.
• 185 hours holiday plus all bank holidays.
• 3 extra paid days off over Christmas.
• Option to buy or sell 37 hours of holiday each year.
• Free hot drinks every Friday.
• Employee Assistance Programme with up to 12 counselling sessions.
• 24/7 GP access via YuLife.
• YuLife rewards for healthy daily habits.
• 5% company pension contribution.
• Westfield Health cover.
• Bravo Benefits discounts on gyms, retail and more.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Critical illness cover.

• Surface prep using abrasive, vapour and grit blasting.
• Applying coatings and finishes to aerospace parts in line with PQPs and route cards.
• Spraying parts to exact tolerances and technical specifications.
• Following Standard Operating Procedures and structured daily routines.
• Keeping records up to date and reporting any non-conformances.
• Using PPE and maintaining a safe, clean work area.
• Carrying out routine maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Working alongside other departments to meet quality and delivery targets.

• Either apprenticeship trained or significant hands-on industry experience.
• A solid background in aerospace or precision manufacturing is ideal.
• Able to read and interpret SOPs, technical drawings and process sheets.
• Skilled in manual finishing and coating methods.
• Quality-focused with a steady, methodical approach.
• Good team player who takes responsibility for their own work.
• Familiarity with NADCAP and AS9100 standards.
• Basic knowledge of lean principles (5S) would be useful.

• £36,028.25  salary including shift premium.
• 3 shift rotation
• Overtime paid at time and a half
• 37-hour week with early finish every Friday.
• 185 hours holiday plus all bank holidays.
• 3 extra paid days off over Christmas.
• Option to buy or sell 37 hours of holiday each year.
• Free hot drinks every Friday.
• Employee Assistance Programme with up to 12 counselling sessions.
• 24/7 GP access via YuLife.
• YuLife rewards for healthy daily habits.
• 5% company pension contribution.
• Westfield Health cover.
• Bravo Benefits discounts on gyms, retail and more.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Critical illness cover.

• Manufacturing processes: Learning about machining, fabrication, assembly, and quality control techniques essential for aircraft components.
• Design and development: Assisting engineers in CAD modeling, technical drawing interpretation, and basic design tasks under supervision.
• Quality assurance: Understanding and implementing quality inspection procedures and standards to ensure the integrity of aerospace parts.
• Maintenance and repair: Gaining insight into aircraft component maintenance and repair protocols.
• Technical documentation: Learning to read, interpret, and contribute to technical manuals and specifications.
• Health and safety: Adhering to strict health and safety regulations and best practices within a manufacturing environment.

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English, and a Science subject (or equivalent qualifications).
• A genuine passion for engineering and a commitment to completing the full apprenticeship program.
• Ability to follow instructions precisely and work safely in a workshop/manufacturing environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing work requirements.
• Must be able to commute to our facility in Coventry daily.

• Lead the aerodynamic design and development of aircraft configurations from concept to production.
• Utilize advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and techniques to simulate and analyze airflow.
• Plan, execute, and interpret wind tunnel testing and flight test data.
• Develop and validate aerodynamic models, ensuring accuracy and correlation with experimental data.
• Optimize aircraft performance for key parameters such as lift, drag, stability, and control.
• Collaborate closely with design, structures, systems, and flight test teams to integrate aerodynamic requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior aerodynamicists, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in aerodynamic theory, computational methods, and experimental techniques.
• Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and recommendations to management and project stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of aerodynamic research and development efforts.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related field with a specialization in Aerodynamics.
• Significant (8+ years) experience in aerospace aerodynamics, including experience with full aircraft design cycles.
• Expertise in CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) and meshing tools.
• Proficiency in aerodynamic design and analysis tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated experience with wind tunnel testing and data reduction.
• Strong understanding of flight dynamics and control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Superb communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to lead technical discussions.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK.

• Receive structured on-the-job training in various engineering disciplines, including manufacturing processes, quality control, and technical support.
• Attend a designated college or training provider for block release study, working towards BTEC qualifications and NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Gain practical experience in using precision tools, machinery, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in projects related to aircraft systems, structures, or propulsion.
• Learn to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Develop problem-solving skills and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Understand and adhere to strict health, safety, and environmental regulations within an engineering workshop.
• Work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues across different departments.
• Develop communication and teamwork skills through project work and site interactions.
• Gain a thorough understanding of the aerospace industry and its operational demands.
• Progress through defined competency levels, taking on increasing responsibility as skills develop.