Network Algorithm Design Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Hedge End; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Senior or Principal Engineer to explore next-gen airborne mesh networks in a dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess strong networking protocol knowledge and have a passion for problem-solving and innovation in communications systems. Enjoy a flexible, supportive environment with extensive benefits as you advance your career.

Benefits

Generous leave with potential accrual of flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for eligible employees

Free access to online courses

Referral programme rewards

Annual flexible benefits up to £500

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Good understanding of networking protocols.
• Ability to design meaningful experiments.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication.

Responsibilities

• Research on airborne mesh network protocols.
• Investigate novel networking algorithms.
• Analyze simulation results and improve designs.

Skills

Networking protocols

Design meaningful experiments

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Network simulation tools

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Leonardo has a fantastic opportunity for a Senior or Principal Engineer to carry out research into the next generation of airborne mesh networks.

The successful candidate will have a breadth of understanding of different network protocols and routing algorithms. You will be able to consider the pros and cons of designing a network in different ways and study where the network protocols themselves need to be adapted to meet the projects particular requirements.

You will be working with the Leonardo team, subcontractors and partners.

• Systems Engineering: Apply and develop your knowledge of systems engineering in a fast-paced team.

• Communications Expertise: Leonardo has subject-matter experts with extensive and detailed knowledge of communications systems; technology, performance, and operational capabilities – the learning potential is limitless!

• Continuous Learning: Whether its communications, engineering lifecycle processes, leadership, or personal development, you will be supported in your ongoing professional development though training and mentoring.

• Teamwork: You will work alongside like-minded professional engineers in a highly collaborative environment.

• Connections: You will be joining an expansive team of around 7,000 people at six major sites across the UK.

What you’ll bring

• Good understanding of networking protocols including knowledge of the function of the different protocols in the stack, what the alternatives are and why they have been designed as they are.

• The ability to design meaningful experiments and interpret the results.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate ideas to varied audiences.

• It would be nice if you had knowledge/experience of:

  • Research to investigate novel networking algorithms

  • Commonly used network simulation tools

  • Software engineering techniques

  • Wireless communications

You will be investigating different approaches for the design of airborne mesh networks. Specifying networking simulations using either third party simulation tools or a Leonardo developed simulation environment. Analysing the results of simulations and propose how to improve the design and assisting efforts to create standardisation proposals.

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 - Southampton

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid