Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead

Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead
New Malden | £75,000 - £85,000
SC Clearance (or eligible) | UK Citizenship Required

I'm currently working on behalf of a defence organisation looking to appoint a Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead into a senior, high?impact leadership role.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineering leader who enjoys combining technical oversight, people leadership and strategic influence, all while contributing to programmes that genuinely matter to UK defence and national security.

The Role
As the Mechanical Engineering Functional Lead, you'll take ownership of the mechanical engineering capability within a defence-focused operating unit. You'll lead teams delivering complex mechanical and electromechanical systems across the full product lifecycle - from early concept and detailed design through to manufacture readiness and in-service support.
You'll be supporting multiple long-term defence programmes, including technology that underpins Royal Navy mission critical systems, making this a role with real purpose and visibility.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Leading and developing a team of Mechanical Engineers, with a strong focus on capability, performance and well being
• Owning resource planning, recruitment, mentoring and skills development
• Providing technical oversight and assurance of mechanical designs, analyses and documentation
• Ensuring delivery against cost, schedule and technical performance requirements
• Driving continuous improvement across processes, standards, tools and ways of working
• Supporting wider engineering and business strategy initiatives

What I'm Looking For
Essential Experience

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Background delivering mechanical or electromechanical systems within defence, maritime or aerospace environments
• Strong understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing, analysis and engineering standards
• Proven experience leading technical engineering teams
• Confident reviewing and approving engineering outputs
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
• Experience with CREO, Windchill or similar CAD / PLM tools
• Knowledge of REACH / RoHS, FEA, CFD or advanced manufacturing processes

If you don't tick every box but feel you could do the role, I'd still encourage you to apply.

Security Clearance

• UK citizenship is required
• You'll need to be eligible for UK SC clearance and able to maintain it for the duration of the role

What's On Offer

• Salary of £75,000 - £85,000
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Private healthcare and cash health plan
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• Performance/related bonus
• Ongoing training, development and clear long-term career pathways

Why This Role?
This is a chance to:

• Lead and shape a critical engineering function
• Work on programmes that directly support national and allied defence
• Join an inclusive, supportive environment that values technical excellence and leadership