Principal Electro-Optic Systems Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Mental health support

4,000+ online courses

Refer a friend bonus

Flexible benefits up to £500

Time to Recharge: 12 flexi-days

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd in Basildon is seeking a Principal Electro-Optic Systems Engineer to lead the integration and testing of EO seeker prototypes, coordinating with electronics, software, firmware and mechanical teams.

You will specify, develop and participate in system testing for technology demonstrators, with exposure to research and development, and a strong emphasis on applied engineering and practical problem solving.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in electro-optic system development and integration.
• Engineering or science honours degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong grounding in electronic engineering with EO systems knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Generate new seeker concepts and system/sub-system requirements.
• Lead integration and testing of EO seeker prototypes with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Characterise performance with test engineers and analyze results.

Skills

Electro-Optic systems

Systems engineering

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

DOORS

RF sensors

Infrared systems

Education

Engineering or science honours degree

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

DOORS

Python

Job description

Job Description:

The Future Seekers Team is looking to recruit a Principal Electro-Optic Systems Engineer. The Future Seekers Team mandate is to rapidly develop and mature seeker technologies to prototype demonstrator (Technology Readiness Level 5). Technology development comprises activities including concept development; performance modelling; algorithm development; software, hardware and firmware development; systems integration and testing.

Your impact

As Electro-Optic Systems Engineer, you will lead the integration of and testing of EO seeker prototypes, working with other disciplines. A typical development could be a technology prototype demonstrator. The candidate will lead the specification, development and be involved in system testing. The candidate should be able to liaise and ideally contribute to the design with experts in the sub system areas including electronics, software, firmware, and mechanical engineering. This role may also be of interest with someone from an applications background wishing to gain exposure to research and develop a more theorical career.

Day to day duties include;

• Contribution to the generation of new seeker concepts
• Generation of system and sub-systems requirements
• Working with test engineers to characterise performance
• Algorithm development and data analysis
• Trials activities

What you’ll bring

We can envisage a candidate coming from various backgrounds for example:

• Proven experience as an Electro Optics system development and integration. Ideally, you will have an engineering or science-based Honours degree or equivalent experience.
• An electronic engineering background, with an understanding of passive and active EO systems. The candidate would ideally have systems engineering experience or aspire to move into a systems engineering role with mentoring.

We are not expecting you to have deep theoretical knowledge of electro-optics or infrared systems, what we are looking for are Systems Engineers with applied engineering experience that we can build upon through training, team working and mentoring.

Essential specialisms include.

• Electronic engineering
• Electro-optic systems

The following experience/skills are very desirable:

• Working on integration programmes, having managed issues associated with cost, schedule & quality implications.
• Experience of sensor performance modelling and image analysis
• Software development in MATLAB or Python
• Practitioner level ability using Model Driven Engineering tool e.g. Simulink, DOORS (classic)
• Relevant experience in RF or EE sensor systems
• Understanding of complex weapons systems employment

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 UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

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’re 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.

Primary Location: GB - Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid