Lead Systems Engineer (DA)

Leonardo; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave allowance

Pension plan

Mental health support

Learning platforms

Employee referrals

Flexible benefits

Hybrid working

Job summary

Leonardo in the UK is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer/Design Authority to drive architecture across the NATO JEWCS IPT. You will oversee system-level design, mentor engineers, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure compliant, safe, and high‑performing solutions.

The role requires extensive experience in systems lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making under pressure, with travel within the UK and abroad as needed. Hybrid working in the Southampton area is supported.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in a STEM subject with strong numerical and design skills.
• Good understanding of system lifecycles and technical baselines.
• Proficiency in systems architecture within the lifecycle.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving.
• Experience influencing design and integration of major systems.
• Experience in stakeholder management under pressure.
• Experience delivering design reviews with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight across the system solution.
• Review and advise on subsystem technical designs.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and safety.
• Lead architecture team through project lifecycle.
• Manage technical risks and mitigations.
• Support test planning and verification.
• Engage stakeholders and present architecture at reviews.
• Interface between end customer and Leonardo team.
• Co-teach and mentor junior Systems Engineers.
• Travel within the UK and abroad.

Skills

STEM degree

Systems Architecture

Lifecycle management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Decision making

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in STEM

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer / Design Authority

Leonardo has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer/Design Authority (DA) to join its NATO JEWCS Integrated Project Team (IPT) within the CEMA and ICS Sector based across the south of the UK. The role involves producing the next‑generation Electronic Warfare (EW) Training System assets for Land, Sea and Air along with an IT infrastructure to support planning, programming and review for NATO exercises.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and expertise at all levels of the system solution, working with internal and supplier design teams to ensure the architecture meets customer and business requirements.
• Review and advise on creation and verification of subsystem technical solutions, ensuring designs are fit for purpose.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, required standards and maintain safety of the overall architecture.
• Work across the systems engineering lifecycle, collaborating with SMEs, supporting the Project Chief Engineer and ensuring system and subsystem designs are delivered.
• Lead the architecture team through the project lifecycle, influencing requirements and trade‑offs.
• Control technical risks and recommend mitigation opportunities.
• Support test planning, requirements verification and certification for the overall system.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including customers and end‑users, presenting architecture material at design reviews.
• Act as a technical interface between the end customer and Leonardo Engineering team.
• Co‑teach and develop junior Systems Engineers.
• Travel within the UK and abroad to meet customers and industry partners.

Required Skills & Experience

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM subject with strong numerical, analytical and design skills.
• Strong understanding of system and project lifecycles and technical baselines.
• Proficiency in Systems Architecture activities within the Systems Lifecycle.
• Self‑motivated with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making aptitude.
• Experience influencing system design and integration of major systems.
• Experience in stakeholder management in high‑pressure environments.
• Experience delivering design reviews and implementing remedial actions with suppliers and integration teams.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of military EW/radar passive and active RF.
• Understanding of systems integration and progressive assurance.
• Experience making design decisions by trading‑off alternate solutions based on functionality, performance and cost.
• Chartered engineer or member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Security Clearance

This role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional National Security Vetting may apply, including The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Benefits

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Employer‑contributed pension scheme with up to 15% contribution.
• Access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.
• Managerial bonus scheme for eligible employees.
• Unlimited access to online learning via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Financial reward for employee referrals.
• Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Hybrid working options with flexible hours.

Location & Working Arrangements

Primary location: Southampton, UK.
Additional location: Basildon, UK.
Contract type: Permanent.
Hybrid working: Hybrid.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security, committed to building an inclusive and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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