Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager
Location: Horsham
Salary: £80,000 – £85,000 DOE
We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to join a high-performing engineering team in Horsham. This is a senior leadership role within a defence-focused environment, offering the opportunity to lead talented mechanical engineers working on advanced electro-mechanical systems for surveillance, fire-control, and radar positioning applications.
This role will suit a confident technical leader who can combine strong mechanical design expertise with people management, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation. You will be responsible for guiding the team through the full system lifecycle, from concept and analysis through to design, delivery, and continuous improvement.
The role

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex engineering challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement across tools, training, and engineering processes.
• Monitor team performance and support staff development through regular 1:1s, mentoring, and personal development planning.
• Support sales activity by defining mechanical requirements, developing concept solutions, and contributing to bids and estimates.
• Work with Integrated Portfolio Teams to manage resources and support recruitment planning.
• Collaborate with systems, software, electronics, and electrical teams to ensure smooth integration.
• Contribute to engineering strategy, team objectives, and long-term planning.
• Keep the business informed of emerging technologies and industry developments.
• Ensure all design activity meets safety, regulatory, and defence industry requirements.

The ideal candidate

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience designing and delivering complex mechanisms and structures.
• Proven leadership experience managing projects and people.
• Strong background in design analysis and performance calculations, including FEA.
• Experience designing equipment for harsh or demanding environments.
• Confident working on bids and engaging with customers on new business opportunities.
• Strong track record in innovation and concept development.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques including machining, sheet metal forming, casting, fabrication, and moulding.
• Experience with electromechanical drive mechanisms such as motors, gearboxes, and ballscrews.
• Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical components.
• Experience using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.

What’s on offer

• Salary of £80,000 – £85,000 DOE.
• Senior leadership opportunity with real influence over engineering direction.
• Chance to work on advanced defence systems with world-class applications.
• Collaborative environment with scope to lead, develop, and innovate.
• Opportunity to shape engineering capability and support business growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering leader looking to take ownership of a technically challenging and high-impact role in a dynamic environment.