Principal Composites Engineer

Leonardo; Luton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking a Principal Composites Engineer to guide the adoption of novel composite materials across various projects. This pivotal role includes working with design engineers, supporting manufacturing processes, and developing strategies for sustainability and compliance. The position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package to support employee wellbeing and career growth.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free access to mental health support

Bonus scheme

Access to online courses

Referral programme rewards

Flexible benefits package

Qualifications

• Strong background in Aerospace or high-performance sectors.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with teams.

Responsibilities

• Support design and analysis of structures using composite materials.
• Engage with supply chain for project support.
• Develop Composites Design Guide.
• Work on the composite strategy and sustainability efforts.

Skills

Knowledge of composite materials

Design and stress analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Aerospace sector experience

Willingness to learn

Education

Higher education approved STEM qualification

Job description

Job Description : Your impact

We are establishing a new Materials and Processes Engineering Department and seek an accomplished Principal Composites Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping our future capabilities.

This position offers a unique opportunity to become the organisation’s recognised specialist in composites, where you will provide expert guidance to design teams on the selection and application of high-performance materials and processes, ensuring our products meet the most demanding of operational requirements.

Delivering Engineering Excellence requires us to ensure we design for manufacturability, test, support, cost, repair and sustainability at the outset. This will be a varied and challenging role, supporting the business through adoption of novel composites across a wide range of product portfolios, and engaging with the supply chain to support manufacturing. This role can be hybrid and requires regular travel across our sites in the UK.

What you will do as our Principal Composites Engineer

• Work with design engineers to support with the design and analysis of structures using composite materials
• Engage with the supply chain to support projects during manufacture
• Develop a Composites Design Guide based on available qualified materials
• Work closely with the Materials Conformity Lead on requirements for future materials
• Support the development of the composite strategy
• Participate in knowledge sharing forums
• Work closely with the sustainability team to understand the carbon footprint of materials and the potential for material circularity
• Supporting Design Integrity and Airworthiness teams to ensure any new composite materials being used on safety critical applications have undergone the required regulatory review
• Pro-actively engaging with projects across the UK to help guide effective and efficient adoption of new composite materials and processes.

What you’ll bring

• Higher education approved STEM qualification at first degree level or equivalent as recognised by professional accreditation schemes
• A strong background in Aerospace or other high-performance sectors
• Knowledge of a wide range of composite materials and processes
• Demonstrated experience of design and stress analysis with composite structures
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, procurement and external partners
• Experience of participation in design reviews
• An enthusiasm for learning and developing knowledge in a new area of the business and an aptitude for leading the adoption of novel materials across wider engineering teams
• Willingness to represent the Company at external events

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 :

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.

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