Project Engineering Manager

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense firm in Luton is seeking Project Engineering Managers to support the Global Combat Air Programme. The role involves managing teams, enhancing delivery practices, and facilitating international collaboration. Ideal candidates will have significant engineering management experience and excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex environments. The position offers a flexible working model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Up to 15% employer pension contribution

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible hours and hybrid working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym memberships

Private healthcare and dental schemes

Access to online courses via Coursera

Qualifications

• Significant engineering management experience on large, complex programmes.
• Broad engineering experience with understanding of functions, projects, and processes.
• Security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead establishment of UK National domain enablers practices.
• Support international negotiations for technical viability.
• Manage specialist engineering and non-engineering teams.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Ability to influence

Experience in uncertain environments

Job description

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Leonardo Future Combat Air (FCA) is seeking open-minded, collaborative Project Engineering Managers with extensive experience across the Product Lifecycle to deliver enabling capabilities for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

GCAP is an international collaboration between the UK, Japan, and Italy developing a 6th generation Future Combat Air platform, expected to enter service in the mid-2030s. In the UK, this platform is known as Tempest, replacing the Royal Air Force Typhoon fleet.

Leonardo UK plays a key role in developing airborne sensors and communications capabilities for GCAP. Essential to delivering these capabilities is providing the right tools and facilities at the right locations and times for our teams. These enabling capabilities include:

1. Supply Chain, Production & Repair
2. Physical Facilities & Digital Infrastructure

You could contribute to delivering these transformative capabilities suitable for a 6th generation programme.

What you will do

Successful delivery of GCAP depends on creating an effective tri-national enterprise with a shared identity and purpose. Your role will be central to enabling activities. You will work with the UK GCAP Enablers team to establish development and governance processes that support coordinated delivery aligned with strategic principles agreed with our partner companies: Leonardo SpA and Elettronica Group in Italy, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) in Japan.

The Enablers Project Engineering Managers will manage specialist engineering and non-engineering teams delivering GCAP enabling capabilities for Leonardo UK. You will also liaise with international partners to deliver capabilities across the international domain. Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the establishment of UK National domain enablers practices, including strategy, policy, and process, to support efficient delivery by dispersed teams.
• Supporting international negotiations to ensure effective practices and technical viability of solutions.
• Supporting the creation of commercial agreements that support enablers delivery.
• Providing engineering input to bids and proposals related to the programme.
• This role may be based at any of Leonardo UK’s major sites and may involve international travel.

What we’re looking for

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills across all levels and cultures.
• Ability to influence and inspire trust.
• Effective work in uncertain environments.
• Proactive problem-solving skills seeking win-win solutions.
• Significant engineering management experience on large, complex programmes.
• Broad engineering experience with understanding of functions, projects, and processes.

Desirable:

• Proven technical expertise in Defence programmes and related disciplines.
• Understanding of financial management and its impact on programmes.
• Experience in customer-facing roles.
• Interaction with senior external personnel on engineering matters, requiring coordination.
• Knowledge of how engineering is delivered by Leonardo UK.
• Experience across all lifecycle phases: Development, Manufacture, Support.

Security clearance is required. For more information, visit: UK Security Vetting Levels.

What you will get

Leonardo offers a comprehensive benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and flexible working hours. Benefits include:

• Up to 15% employer pension contribution.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue up to 12 flexi days.
• Flexible hours and hybrid working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and various network groups.
• Discounted gym memberships, cycle-to-work scheme.
• Private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, and technology/lifestyle allowances (£500/year).
• Access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera.
• Referral bonuses and management-level bonuses.