Principal Project Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Scotland is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to manage complex engineering projects. You will work closely with teams, manage budgets, and contribute to project planning and reviews. Ideal candidates will have strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, along with experience in project management tools. This position offers a hybrid work model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous leave with additional flexi-days

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

Free mental health support

Qualifications

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Effective data analysis to support collaboration.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Manage Work Package budgets and support planning activities.
• Monitor progress and communicate findings to management.
• Contribute to project reviews and promote team knowledge.

Skills

Collaboration skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

SAP

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you an experienced engineer keen to move into engineering management or a project manager with an engineering background and a desire to gain a deeper appreciation for large-scale complex engineering delivery? You could be part of one of the UK’s most exciting and challenging Aerospace projects.

Leonardo’s European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 is set to be in service with UK RAF Typhoons towards the end of the decade, providing world-leading capability with enhanced traditional Radar functionality. The ECRS Mk2 development team, operating within the SAFe development approach, is looking for a talented individual to work with over 90 Systems and Software Engineers to deliver long-term Systems design activities and the functional roadmap for the Radar Processing Solution.

For more information on Leonardo's contribution to ECRS, check out: https://uk.leonardo.com/en/innovation/typhoon

What you’ll do as a Principal Project Engineer:

• Report directly to the Functional Project Engineering Manager, working closely with project management and the Systems & Software development team to influence decisions within the project.
• Manage Work Package budgets, including charge code management, monthly budget and spend monitoring, and supporting Primavera P6 planning activities. Provide estimates for bids and re-estimates with impact analysis to support budget changes.
• Assist engineering/project management on Planning, Risk, Scheduling, Forward load, and Design Reviews.
• Monitor development team progress against plans, analyze impacts of slips/issues, and communicate findings to management.
• Support the PEM in monthly resource demand updates, including resource demand monitoring, role descriptions, recruitment support, and training needs.
• Contribute to project reviews, such as monthly Budget Holder reviews, SAFe Programme Increment planning, customer reporting, and weekly Engineering Management meetings.
• Promote continuous development and support team knowledge growth.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Prepare and deliver monthly reports and metrics to engineering and project management.

What you’ll bring

• Effective collaboration skills with internal stakeholders, supported by data analysis.
• Self-motivation with problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve difficult issues.
• Ability to work independently within defined procedures with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of delivering to diverse audiences.
• Enthusiasm and a strong ability to build effective working relationships in challenging, fluid environments.

What would make you stand out from the crowd:

• Experience with SAP/Primavera or similar planning and project management tools.

We welcome applications even if you lack experience in some areas. The most important qualities are a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role requires pre-employment screening per the UK Government’s BPSS, with potential for additional NSV vetting, including SC or DV clearance. More information at: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are central to our success. We offer a comprehensive benefits package supporting your wellbeing, career, and work–life balance, including:

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days annually.
• Employer contributions of up to 15% in our pension scheme.
• Free mental health support, financial advice, and employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Performance bonuses for employees at management level and below.
• Access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral bonuses through our employee referral program.
• Flexible benefits up to £500 annually, including healthcare, dental, tech discounts, and more.
• Flexible working hours with hybrid options; part-time arrangements available upon discussion.

Visit our website for the full list of benefits.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, with over 53,000 employees worldwide, including 8,500 in the UK. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and welcome applicants with accessibility needs.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid