Graduate Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is seeking graduates for a Systems Engineer role as part of their 18-month Graduate Programme. You will tackle real engineering challenges, receive extensive training, and collaborate with experienced professionals. Candidates should have a degree in a STEM field and experience in coding or project work. The role offers a starting salary of £34,000 and a comprehensive benefits package including bonuses and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Flexible leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of an upper Second class Bachelor's/Integrated Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or another STEM discipline.
• Experience in coding/programming.
• Relevant project work or placements in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Work on real engineering problems across multiple projects/products.
• Receive targeted training in systems engineering processes and methods.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team for guidance and on-the-job training.

Skills

Coding/programming

Team problem solving

Applying STEM knowledge

Education

Upper Second class Bachelor's/Integrated Master’s degree in STEM

Higher degree (MSc or PhD) in relevant field

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development.

Our 18‑month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts.

Systems Engineers are involved in all aspects of design and development; from initial product design through to in‑service support.

They look at the big picture, determine how the system needs to operate and collaborate to produce the required overall operational behaviours. They also dive into the deepest level of detail – taking the system piece‑by‑piece and defining its design to the finest point. Our Systems Engineers can also actively engage in R&D, developing new concepts and conducting fundamental research into our future technologies.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

During the programme, you will:

• Work on real engineering problems and have the opportunity to be involved in supporting a wide range of tasks across multiple projects/products, which covers Sea, Land, Air and space domains.
• Be part of a dynamic and innovative team who will provide day‑to‑day guidance and on‑the‑job training, introducing you to systems engineering processes, methods, technology and tools.
• Receive targeted training, developing the engineering skills and necessary domain knowledge required to achieve technical excellence and be a successful Systems Engineer.

What you’ll bring

All of our Graduate roles require (a) a minimum of an upper Second class Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD. In all cases the subject should be engineering, mathematics, physics or another STEM discipline.

In addition to this, we would be interested in hearing from you if you have experience in:

• Coding/programming.
• Relevant project work and/or placements in industry.
• Solving problems as part of a team.
• Applying your science and technology knowledge to solve a real world problem.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could 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, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

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 are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

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, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Southampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid