Low Observables/Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in the UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer with an Electromagnetics background to work on advanced Sensor systems. Candidates should have experience in radar cross section reduction, knowledge of Electro-optics, and a relevant STEM degree. The role offers flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free mental health support

Bonus scheme for eligible staff

Access to online courses

Financial rewards for referrals

Flexible benefits allowance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant STEM discipline.
• Working knowledge of radar cross section reduction.
• Experience in RF antenna design.
• Awareness of Systems Engineering across the whole lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership for technology maturation and prototype testing.
• Perform and communicate signature predictions.
• Engage in electromagnetic modelling of advanced materials.

Skills

Radar cross section reduction (RCSR)

Knowledge of Electro-optics

Expertise in LO modelling

Knowledge of RF materials

Experience in antenna design

Education

Degree in a relevant STEM discipline

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

FEKO

Job description

Job Description

Your impact

Are you a Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change?

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer with an Electromagnetics background and experience in the domain of Low observability to work on Electro-Optical and multi-mode Sensor systems within the Precision Guidance sector. Here, Leonardo is working at the forefront of EO/LO technology within major equipment programmes and large-scale research and development.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership for the progression of technology maturation, modelling and simulation, prototype build and test activities

• Performing, analysing, and communicating signature predictions

• Engagement in the research, design, computational electromagnetic modelling of advanced electromagnetic metamaterials

• Performing, post-processing, and communicating results of laboratory and trial signature measurements

• Present results and designs through both written reports and oral presentations

• Providing technical assistance and guidance to others, whilst promoting a culture of sharing best practice and process improvement

We seek to identify a candidate with expertise or the ability to learn more about the following disciplines and apply this to our ongoing product developments;

• Signature reduction and low observable (LO) techniques as applied to Electro-Optical sensors and seekers

• Radar Cross Section (RCS) analysis and techniques for reduction for EO apertures

• RCS Trials planning and support

What you’ll bring

You will be degree qualified in a relevant STEM discipline and working knowledge of;

• Experience in radar cross section reduction (RCSR), & radio-frequency (RF) antenna design

• Knowledge of Electro-optics

• Knowledge of RADAR, RF materials, RF material measurements

• Expertise in LO modelling & predictions: Computational electromagnetics (CEM), CST Microwave Studio, FEKO or similar

• Awareness of Systems Engineering across the whole lifecycle

Knowledge / skills in at least one of the following areas of Electromagnetics:

• Low Observables (LO),

• Stealth Technology,

• Electromagnetic Capability (EMC),

• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI),

• Radiofrequency (RF),

• Antenna design/modelling,

• Computational Electromagnetic Modelling (CEM)

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: 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 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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid