Lead Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Caddington; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to tackle real-world challenges in designing defense solutions. The role involves defining system requirements, leading studies, and prototyping technologies. Candidates should have applied engineering experience and a strong systems-thinking mindset. This position offers hybrid working options and extensive benefits, including a comprehensive healthcare plan and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Private healthcare

25 holidays plus bank holidays

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym membership

Free access to over 4000 online courses

Referral Incentive

Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• Applied engineering experience and systems-thinking mindset required.
• Expert or broad knowledge across the systems engineering lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Defining and developing system requirements.
• Leading concept studies and system trade-offs.
• Prototyping new technologies.
• Solving integration challenges and testing solutions.
• Working with industry partners and sharing knowledge.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Domain Expertise

Collaboration

Job description

Job Description:

Do you love solving complex problems? Thrive in a collaborative environment? Want to make an impact with cutting‑edge technology?

Join us as a Lead Systems Engineer and work on real‑world challenges, designing solutions that power the future of defence technology.

What we’re looking for:

If you have applied engineering experience and a systems‑thinking mindset, we want to hear from you! Whether you’re an expert in a specific area or have broad knowledge across the systems engineering lifecycle, your skills matter.

We’re interested in experience with:

• Systems Engineering (e.g. problem definition, architecture, MBSE, integration, verification & validation)
• Domain Expertise (e.g. digital signal processing, RF systems, AI/ML, multi-sensor fusion, electronic warfare)
• Collaboration with specialists in safety, security, and reliability to deliver robust solutions

Where your work will make an Impact:

• Protecting RAF aircraft like Typhoon and Apache
• Advancing next‑gen air combat with Team Tempest and GCAP
• Developing future electronic warfare systems
• Harnessing AI/ML to unlock intelligence from vast data

What you’ll be doing:

• Defining and developing system requirements
• Leading concept studies and system trade‑offs
• Prototyping new technologies
• Solving integration challenges and testing solutions
• Working with industry partners and sharing knowledge

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us

Company funded flexible benefits:

• Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera, LinkedIn Learning etc.
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid