Networking Principal Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Eastleigh is seeking a Systems Engineer to provide technical support within the defense sector. The role involves working on network technologies for naval platforms, requiring experience with Cisco and Windows server, and a solid understanding of the engineering lifecycle. This position offers personal development opportunities within a supportive hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days

Up to 15% employer contribution pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for eligible employees

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Annual financial reward for referrals

Flexible spending on benefits including healthcare

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience as a COTS IP networks practitioner; equivalent or higher than Cisco CCNA qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in fault finding and fault resolution within network systems.
• Good attitude and willingness to learn are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Systems Engineering aspects of networks on naval platforms.
• Support design and implementation of systems architectures.
• Define tests and execute fault-finding across IP networks.

Skills

Experience in COTS IP network technologies; particularly Cisco

Experience in COTS virtual environment technologies; for example VMware ESXi

Experience in COTS server technologies, for example Windows server

Practical experience of network implementation

Broad knowledge of tools and processes used in engineering lifecycle

Tools

DOORs

System Architect

VEEAM

SolarWinds Network Performance Manager

Cisco ISE

Teamcenter

Job description

Overview

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you a Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the UKs Defence Industry and making impactful change? WE are looking for Systems Engineers to provide technical support within the Land and Naval domain of Leonardo with a focus on IP network and virtual environment technologies for predominantly naval platforms.

You will initially be responsible to the Electronic Network Infrastructure Design Authority for the configuration, implementation, documentation and verification of Cisco based network and Windows server data architectures for naval capital ships and submarines. The successful candidate would be working within an Integrated Project Team delivering networks and communication based systems within some of the most demanding naval environments. As a practitioner, the successful candidate will have huge potential for personal development and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• All Systems Engineering aspects of new and existing networks and network applications embodied on naval platforms working at all phases of the development lifecycle.
• Support to the development of current and future systems architectures/design and their implementation.
• Support to the capture of design artefacts as appropriate for all stages in the engineering lifecycle appropriate for managing existing systems and for taking concepts through to development.
• Test definition, test execute and fault finding across IP networks and hosted systems.
• Development of system installation and setting to work guidance.

What you’ll bring

Essential:

• Experience in COTS IP network technologies; particularly Cisco.
• Experience in COTS virtual environment technologies; for example VMware ESXi.
• Experience in COTS server technologies, for example Windows server.
• Demonstrable experience as a COTS IP networks practitioner; equivalent or higher than Cisco CCNA qualification.
• Practical experience of network implementation, setting to work and verification; including fault finding, fault resolution, electrical safety and safe working practices.
• Broad experience of engineering lifecycle phases.
• Broad knowledge of tools and processes used in the design, development and acceptance of products and systems.

Desirable:

• Use of DOORs in requirements management.
• Use of architecture and modelling tools (e.g. System Architect, SysML, etc.).
• Experience in COTS virtual environment backup technologies, for example VEEAM.
• Experience with COTS network management technologies, for example SolarWinds Network Performance Manager and Network Configuration Manager.
• Experience with user authentication, authorization, and accounting server technologies, for example Cisco ISE.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools, particularly Teamcenter

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: our security and vetting information is available on the Leonardo careers site.

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