Job Description

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Project Engineer - Physical Architecture Lead to join our Special Projects Team in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. You will play a key role in the delivery of a complex engineering project that supports some of the UK’s most advanced defence capabilities.

This is a hands-on role, and you will be responsible for supporting the full engineering lifecycle – from shaping technical requirements and developing design solutions through to integration, testing and delivery. You will be overseeing a predominantly Mechanical, Electrical and Integration & Test team, managing the physical architecture, systems integration, mechanical design background ideally.

Working within a multi-disciplined Integrated Project Team (IPT), you will collaborate with engineers, project managers and key stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, determined and committed and a confident self-starter. They will be a team player with ability to work in a multi-functional organisation, coupled with excellent communication skills and stakeholder management ability.

Reporting to the Chief Engineer on programme, this is the Physical Architecture Lead role.

Although predominately Mechanical Design based, the need to coordinate/manage the other skills required to complete the Physical Architecture of the systems will be required.

Ideally using an Automotive, Heavy Vehicle background and experience, plus proven management skills, taking the Systems Architecture and delivering a Design Solution through both Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Desing Review (CDR) that meets all the Customer requirements.

A key requirement of this role is the ability to obtain and maintain a high‑level security clearance. If you do not currently hold the required clearance, we can support you through the application process.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Physical Architecture of assigned projects, ensuring alignment with technical, safety, and quality standards.
• Define and interpret technical requirements, translating customer needs into robust engineering solutions.
• Product and maintain design documentation, drawings, specifications and test plans.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams including systems, mechanical, materials, electrical, integration and test engineers to ensure design coherence and successful integration.
• Provide technical support during build, commissioning, and in-service phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure all engineering activities complies with Defence Standards, quality management systems and Health and Safety regulations.
• Support the Project Chief Engineer to undertake any assigned engineering assignments and investigations.
• Support both the assigned Programme Engineering Manager and Project Chief Engineer in technical planning, progress reporting, and risk management.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, verification, validation and configuration management activities.
• Liaise with project leads, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective technical communications throughout the project.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

Although predominately Mechanical Design based, the need to coordinate/manage the other skills required to complete the Physical Architecture of the systems will be required.

Ideally using an Automotive, Heavy Vehicle background and experience, plus proven management skills, taking the Systems Architecture and delivering a Design Solution through both Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Desing Review (CDR) that meets all the Customer requirements.

Heavy Military Vehicle background (Lorries, heavy end of design, not mechanisms big welded structures), predominantly Mechanical design based, armoured plated structures.

Appropriate degree from an accredited college, or equivalent experience/combined education, with professional experience and specialized training commensurate with assignment.