Operational Analyst

Leonardo; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company is seeking an Operational Analyst to work on cutting-edge technology in hybrid-working roles based at Luton, Bristol, or Lincoln. The successful candidate will manage multi-disciplinary teams and support the development of mission systems for military capabilities, requiring problem-solving skills and a degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants must possess five years UK residency and the ability to achieve SC security clearance.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Free mental health support

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Flexible benefits worth £500 annually

Qualifications

• Experience leading peers to achieve common goals.
• Understanding of military operating environments.
• Basic systems engineering principles and processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage multi-disciplinary teams to develop complex mission systems.
• Support war gaming and simulation to develop military capabilities.
• Deliver engineering specifications and reports to customers.

Skills

Problem-solving

Visualising complex systems

Communication skills

Self-starter

Education

Degree in relevant Science/Technology/Engineering/Maths

Tools

C

C++

Python

Simulink

Job description

Job Description : Your Impact

Are you looking to advance your career and work on technology that will shape the future of defence? Does working on developing the next generation of fast jet technology, pushing the technical boundaries associated with advanced tactical sensing, data fusion, communications, machine learning and defensive aids systems sound like a challenge that would be of interest? If you have skills in systems engineering and five years UK residency, we are looking for engineers to join us at Leonardo in Luton, Bristol, or Lincoln in a hybrid-working role.

What you’ll do as an Operational Analyst

This exciting role spans the GCAP Portfolio, covering advanced technology demonstrations and operational product development, with the successful candidate managing multi-disciplinary teams to develop and integrate complex mission systems and deliver test and evaluation of these capabilities within synthetic environments and airborne trials.

GCAP is an international venture, with opportunities to travel and work with teams in the UK, Italy and Japan.

Due to the nature of our work, you must be capable of achieving a minimum of SC security clearance and may require access to caveated information such as UK eyes only. Please see the UK National Security Vetting site for more details.

This role will require some office-based working, based at Luton, Bristol or Lincoln.

Examples of work

Developing these technologies for demonstration in synthetic environments and on flight test aircraft. Work is also ongoing with the Ministry of Defence and air platform engineering teams to integrate these capabilities into the Tempest combat aircraft.

Working closely with system and domain experts to define and implement scenarios and / or models to investigate key technologies and innovations for inclusion in the overall system.

Support war gaming, simulation and constructive analysis to develop requirements and architectures for the next generation of military capability

Model synthetic environments via COTS simulation and analysis tools, as well as internally developed and bespoke capabilities

Support the development and delivery of engineering specifications, reports and presentations to customers and industry partners

What you’ll bring

• Degree, or similar experience, in a relevant Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths discipline
• Proven problem-solving ability
• Adept at visualising and analysing complex systems
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal
• Enthusiastic self-starter, with the drive and motivation to succeed

It would be desirable if you had experience from some of the following :

• Domain knowledge of military operating environments, particularly aircrew threats and challenges
• Experience in leading a group of peers in achieving a common goal / task.
• A good understanding of simulation environments (e.g. Simulink) and / or programming experience (e.g. C, C++, and Python)
• Experience of Agile working
• Some understanding of sensors such as RADAR, EO / IR, ESM, EA
• Experience of operating in or supporting military environments and or trials
• Practical knowledge of basic systems engineering principles and processes

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), along with an additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV), including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit : . Due to the nature of the work and its connections to UK Defence strategy, applicants must have five years UK Residency and hold a UK Passport.

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.