Autonomy Technologist

Leonardo; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Online learning

Refer a friend

Flexible benefits

Flexible working

Job summary

Leonardo UK Helicopter division in Yeovil is seeking an Autonomy Technologist to help shape the future of autonomous flight. You will balance virtual and in-person work in a modern innovation hub and collaborate with international teams to deliver autonomous applications.

Ideal candidates hold a Master's degree, with strong programming skills (Python, C, C++, Matlab/Simulink) and experience with robotics simulators. Travel will be national and international as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related subject (e.g., Computer Science, Aerospace, Electronics, Robotics, AI, Mechatronics)
• Experience with robotics/autonomy programming languages (Python, C, C++, Matlab/Simulink)
• Experience with embedded computing boards (Nvidia Jetson, Intel Up)
• Familiar with robotics simulation tools (Gazebo, AirSim, Unreal, Unity, Isaac Sim)

Responsibilities

• Contribute ideas on Autonomy functions with significant impact on air vehicle and mission management
• Define requirements for Autonomy to enhance mission effectiveness and reduce operator workload
• Stay updated on autonomy tech and share knowledge across the team
• Set up new projects with Autonomy colleagues across UK, Italy, and EU
• Collaborate on Autonomy software development and test in synthetic environments and on subscale demonstrators
• Work with colleagues in the UK and Italy on cross-geography projects

Skills

Python

C

C++

Matlab/Simulink

Robotics

Education

Master's degree in related subject

PhD or equivalent experience welcome

Tools

Nvidia Jetson

Intel Up

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to help shape the future of autonomy for the Home of British Helicopters? At our Leonardo UK Helicopter division based in Yeovil, we are looking to recruit an Autonomy Technologist.

Your impact

As an Autonomy Technologist, you will be part of our Technology and Innovation, UK group. We are a forward-looking group that has responsibility for setting the future pathways for our UK business and delivering them. This is in collaboration with colleagues from across our global Technology and Innovation network.

We are looking for a technologist that has a curiosity for what Autonomy can do for the future of Vertical Takeoff and Landing systems and an aptitude for developing Autonomy applications. This area of research revolves around the development of technologies that enable crewed, uncrewed systems and crewed-uncrewed teams to operate with increasing independence, from take-off to landing. You will be actively engaged as a member of our international Autonomy team and working on applications across the UK and Italy.

You will have the opportunity to balance virtual and in person working and work out of a latest generation, modern and purpose built innovation hub - iAero Innovation Centre (iaerocentre.co.uk) - that has been designed from the outset for collaborative based innovation and is a leading Aerospace Design and Innovation facility. You will work within a caring and committed team that strives to shape the future. You will also work alongside, share and grow with international colleagues throughout our global Technology and Innovation network.

What You’ll Do As Autonomy Technologist

• Contribute ideas on the Autonomy functions that will have the most significant contribution to air vehicle and mission management.
• Help to define requirements for Autonomy to enhance mission effectiveness and reduce operator workload.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in autonomy technology and share this knowledge with colleagues across our business.
• Help setup new projects based on your own ideas and with your Autonomy colleagues across UK, Italian, EU and other opportunities.
• Collaborate in the development of Autonomy software applications and test these applications in our nationally leading synthetic environment and on subscale demonstrators.
• Work alongside colleagues in the UK and Italy and participate in project work across geographies.

What You’ll Bring

• Master's degree in a related subject such as Computer Science, Aerospace, Electronics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics. PhD level and BEng with equivalent experience are welcome to apply.
• Experience of main programming languages used in robotics and autonomous systems (e.g., Python, C, C++, Matlab/Simulink).
• Experience developing on embedded computing boards (e.g., Nvidia Jetson, Intel Up).
• Simulation software used in robotics (e.g., Gazebo, Airsim, Unreal, Unity, Isaac Sim).
• An enquiring mind and aptitude to work with uncertainty, shape new solutions and work with teams virtually and in person.
• Willingness and availability for national and international travel.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role will require National Security Vetting to SC level. It is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. A range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this will include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location

GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid