Laboratory & Ballistic Range Officer
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu), 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, full‑time on site
Salary: £28,000-£30,000 (subject to experience)
About the role
Help ensure the products that protect lives perform exactly as they should. We are looking for a Laboratory & Ballistic Range Officer to join our specialist testing team in Coventry. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development and quality assurance, carrying out testing activities that support some of the world’s most advanced armour and protection systems. You will thrive if you are naturally methodical, safety‑conscious, and enjoy practical, hands‑on work. Working across laboratory and ballistic range environments, you will play a vital role in validating product performance, supporting continuous improvement, and ensuring our products meet demanding customer, industry, and international standards. The role is physically active and includes regular manual handling, lifting, and movement of test equipment.
What you’ll get in return
- Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
- Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
- Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
- Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
- Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
- Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
- Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
- Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
What you’ll be doing
In this role you will carry out a range of destructive and non‑destructive testing activities on new and existing product lines to ensure our armour and protection systems meet stringent customer, contractual, and international standards. You will support both development and production testing within the laboratory and ballistic range, gaining exposure to advanced testing methodologies while helping engineering and quality teams evaluate product performance. You will compile accurate test reports, support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, maintain testing standards, and contribute to the continual improvement of the Laboratory Management System. You will also support laboratory operations through equipment checks, housekeeping, maintenance activities, and safe handling of testing materials and consumables.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who combines strong attention to detail with a practical, safety‑focused approach to testing and quality assurance. You will ideally have the following:
- Relevant experience within a laboratory, testing, quality, engineering, defence, manufacturing, or technical environment
- Minimum GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- Understanding of testing processes and the importance of accurate data collection and reporting
- Experience working within a regulated, controlled, or accredited environment
- Basic Microsoft Excel and Word skills
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to calculate and interpret test results
- Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately record test data
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and customers
- A proactive and safety‑conscious approach to work
- Comfortable working in a physically active environment involving regular manual handling and lifting activities
- UK National eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
- Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
- Understanding of measurement uncertainty and calibration principles
- Experience supporting product testing, validation, or quality activities
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and Environmental legislation
- Previous experience within defence, engineering, manufacturing, or materials testing environments
- Full driving licence
Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI‑assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
NP Aerospace is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Data Privacy
NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
Please note
If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin employment with NP Aerospace.
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