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 skillsDesirable

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