Operational Analyst

Leonardo UK; Caddington; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company is looking for engineers to advance systems engineering roles in the UK. This position involves developing next-gen fast jet technology and managing teams for mission systems while adhering to security clearance requirements. Candidates should have a relevant degree, proven problem-solving skills, and experience in complex systems. The role offers hybrid working options and various benefits including generous leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Generous leave with additional flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme for management level and below

Free access to 4,000+ online courses

Referral program financial reward

Flexible benefits spending allowance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in problem-solving within engineering contexts.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Practical knowledge of systems engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage multi-disciplinary teams for mission systems development.
• Integrate complex systems and deliver testing within synthetic environments.
• Develop technologies for flight test aircraft demonstration.

Skills

Problem-solving

Complex systems visualization and analysis

Strong communication skills

Self-starter

Basic systems engineering principles

Education

Degree in relevant Science/Technology/Engineering/Maths discipline

Tools

Simulation environments (e.g., Simulink)

Programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python)

Job description

Overview

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.

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. This role will require some office‑based working, based at Luton, Bristol or Lincoln. The work includes developing technologies for demonstration in synthetic environments and on flight test aircraft; ongoing work 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; supporting war gaming, simulation and constructive analysis; modelling synthetic environments via COTS simulation and analysis tools; and supporting the development and delivery of engineering specifications, reports and presentations to customers and industry partners.

Qualifications

• 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
• Practical knowledge of basic systems engineering principles and processes

Desirable Experience

• Domain knowledge of military operating environments, particularly aircrew threats and challenges
• Experience in leading a group of peers in achieving a common goal or 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

Security Clearance & Eligibility

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). Applicants must have five years UK Residency and hold a UK Passport.

Benefits

• 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.