Mechanical Engineering Manager

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK

At Northrop Grumman UK, our mission is to solve the most complex challenges by shaping the technology and solutions of tomorrow. We call it Defining Possible.

This mind-set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community. So, what’s your possible?

Opportunity:

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

The mechanical function is responsible for leading the design and development of our mechanical products, taking them through the design lifecycle and ensuring suitable for manufacture. They also support in production, dispositioning non-compliance and supporting with problem solving activities. They therefore require project engineering, design, and analysis (FEA, MSA, GD&T) skillsets to enable high quality outputs. They must also appreciate the wider understanding of engineering in term of design for safety, security, maintainability, and manufacturability.

The Mechanical Engineering manager is overall responsible for the functional excellence of the Mechanical team across the NG Defence Operating Unit. They lead the Mechanical team to provide the capability required by the operating unit and is the primary point of contact for the team. The functional manager is responsible for the planning, directing and coordinating of the functional activities to meet agreed metrics (schedule, budget, quality, technical performance) and in compliance to required processes and practices (e.g. company frameworks, processes, standards, export controls, etc). They will provide input to support the engineering strategy and will be responsible for the delivery of Mechanical initiatives linked to the strategy.

Our UK Defence business is a Sovereign software and systems centre of excellence. As well as developing and supporting UK wide and internationally deployed multi-domain command and control systems, our work is critical to the modern backbone of the Royal Navy. We pioneer – with fierce curiosity, dedication, and innovation, we seek to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Responsibilities:

Resourcing and People Management

• Line Management of the Mechanical engineers, ensuring safety of the team and that they are meeting the expectations of the Senior Manager – Hardware and Head of Engineering.
• Capability Management - Identification of capability needs in the Mechanical function, gaps in current capability and building plans to fill these gaps.
• Career management of the Mechanical function, organising internal/external training on capabilities, processes and tools.
• Resource management - Resource supply against demand management. Capacity planning and recruitment, outsource management.
• Functional delivery - Ensures appropriate planning, allocation of SQEP and appropriate resources to the various projects and programmes, and functional activities are performed in accordance with approved process. Ensures high quality outputs (either from own review or delegated to SQEP team members) from the Mechanical engineering team and that they are delivered to agreed timescales and costs. May be functional lead for the most complex / demanding projects and issues in Mechanical  engineering domains, expected to plan execute, monitor progress and act on changes.
• Planning - Approval of project plans specific to the Mechanical teams, tailoring company processes. Implementing functional plans and objectives necessary to meet the Defence Operating Unit engineering plans and objectives.
• Process Management - Highlight process needs and work with the Technical Directorate to update processes within the company business management system. May own Defence Operating Unit specific Mechanical processes, if required.
• Asset management - Identify tools required to keep up to date in latest capabilities. Management of tools owned by the Mechanical function.

Benefits:

We can offer you a range of flexible and hybrid working options to suit you, including optional compressed working schedule with every other Friday off. Our benefits including private health care, career development opportunities and performance bonuses. For a comprehensive list of benefits, speak to our recruitment team.

We are looking for:

Competency/Skill requirements

• Demonstrated engineering expertise in developing and supporting (in-service) mechanical and electromechanical products/systems within the defence industry.
• Ability to critically review drawings, designs, engineering analyses, and data.
• Ability to take a product through the development lifecycle.
• Adept at problem-solving, able to develop solutions to a variety of complex problems
• Organised, adept at workload management and prioritising appropriately to meet deadlines
• Flexible and responsive to changing priorities
• Good interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with all audiences/stakeholders and present relevant information clearly at all levels of the organisation
• Leadership skills, including being strategic, effective communication (influencing, motivation, listening), investing in people and setting up teams and individuals to be successful in role.

Essential qualifications / experience 

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering / technical subject (e.g. Mechanical engineering or similar) or extensive experience in a relevant area.
• Relevant experience within defence, maritime, and/or aerospace sector
• Working knowledge of Mechanical Design Defence Standards and regulations.
• Experience leading and developing high performing teams.
• Experience in reviewing mechanical drawings, analyses and project documentation.
• Evidenced substantial experience in a Mechanical Engineering role (e.g. Mechanical or Electrical), including but not limited to:
  • Experience in design for manufacture, Design for Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement philosophies.
  • Knowledge of Electrical and Mechanical Design.
  • Knowledge of Production and Manufacturing techniques.
  • Experience designing for: safety, security, maintainability, reliability, etc.
  • Knowledge of various analysis techniques, including FEA, CFD, electrical loads, etc.
  • Materials knowledge (including REACH and RoHS regulations).

Preferred qualifications/experience/knowledge

• Chartered Engineer
• Previous experience using CREO or similar CAD software package
• Previous experience using Windchill or similar PLM software package
• Previous experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design package

Security clearance:

You must be able to gain and maintain the relevant UK Government security clearance in line with the job role (SC). Our requirement team is on hand to answer any questions and we will guide you through the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com.

Why join us?

• Be part of our global team of 100,000 colleagues – The possibilities for your future career are only limited by your drive. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on internship or your next leadership position, we have career opportunities across the world. Northrop Grumman continues to expand and broaden our presence in global markets and strengthen our partnerships with local industry.
• A mission to believe in – Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world, expanding our reach from land, sea, and air to space and cyberspace. From engineering data and intelligence solutions, to developing maritime navigation and control systems and innovating command and control systems for the UK and NATO, what we do together matters.
• A plale to belong and thrive – Every voice matters at our table meaning you can bring your authentic self to work. From our Employee Resource Groups backed by thousands of employees, to sponsoring Cheltenham Pride and our partnerships with Association For Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers, Forces Transition Group, Mind, and Women in Defence – we are passionate about growing and supporting our inclusive community where everyone can belong.
• Your career, your way - Shape your career journey with diverse roles, mentorship, and development opportunities that fuel your curiosity, channel your expertise and nurture your passion. Looking for flexibility? Balance your professional career with your personal life, health and wellbeing benefits, discount schemes, pension benefits and investment in your future development. Speak to our team to find the balance that’s right for you.

Ready to apply?

Yes – Submit your application online. Your application will be reviewed by our team and we will be in touch.

Possibly, I’d like to find out more about this role – Reach out to our team for more information and support: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com.

No, I don’t think this role is right for me – Our extensive UK growth means we have exciting, new opportunities opening all the time. Speak to our team to discuss your career goals.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.