Lead Systems Engineer (Hardware/Firmware)

Leonardo; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer in Edinburgh. This role focuses on the Eurofighter Common Radar System project, requiring expertise in hardware and firmware design. Candidates should have experience in complex interactions and strong problem-solving skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous leave policy, pension scheme, and mental health support.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension scheme

Free mental health support

Bonus scheme

Free online courses

Referral program

Flexible benefits allowance

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience in design and capture of complex hardware, firmware, and software interactions
• Self-motivated with strong aptitude for problem-solving
• Experience in writing & managing technical requirements
• Strong interest in Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Experience of Static and Dynamic Timing Analysis
• Experience in RF energy transmission

Responsibilities

• Liaise with engineering specialists to capture needs
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure design coherence
• Design systems interface definitions
• Influence hardware and firmware design
• Write system-level requirements and test descriptions
• Design related to RF delivery

Skills

Complex hardware interaction

Problem-solving

Technical requirements management

Model-Based Systems Engineering

Static Timing Analysis

Dynamic Timing Analysis

Multi-mode pulse Doppler radar

High-Speed Digital design

RF Energy transmission

Education

No specific degree requirement

Job description

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Lead Systems Engineer (Hardware/Firmware), Edinburgh

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Client:

Leonardo

Location:

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

d03455077878

Job Views:

12

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Job Description:

Are you an experienced Hardware or Firmware Engineer looking to apply your skills at a Systems level on a complex project?

As a Principal/Lead Systems Engineer, you will join our Eurofighter Common Radar System MkII project within the Typhoon sector. This is a highly demanding area of the business, addressing customer requirements for flexible, high-performance systems capable of performing the role of primary sensor on some of the world's most technically advanced combat aircraft.

What you will do as a Lead Systems Engineer

• Liaise with other engineering specialists, capturing needs and design constraints and priorities.
• Engage with LRI stakeholders to ensure coherence and co-ordination of the system design across the physical architecture.
• Design and development of systems interface definitions, considering data exchange and information services.
• Design and development that influences Hardware and Firmware design and interactions.
• Write System & Subsystem-level requirements and associated test descriptions.
• Design and development related to the receipt and transmission of RF, which enables the delivery of the radar’s key capabilities.
• Design and development of pulse burst execution.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in the design and capture of complex hardware, firmware (FPGA) and software interactions
• Self-motivation with a strong aptitude for problem solving and decision-making where design complexity and uncertainty is present
• Experience in writing & managing technical requirements
• Experience, or a strong interest in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) including use or understanding of the Systems Modelling Language (SysML)
• Writing and managing requirements, maintaining traceability through System & Subsystem design activities
• An understanding of the control & timing challenges of complex systems.
• Experience of Static Timing Analysis and/or Dynamic Timing Analysis within Hardware or FPGA Designs.
• Experience in the transmission and reception of RF energy in a multi-mode pulse Doppler radar is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience within High-Speed Digital and/or RF design, with prior experience of Timing design and control particularly desirable.

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 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:

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 part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

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

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.