System Engineer - Land CEMA (All Levels)

Leonardo; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Private healthcare

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking a Systems Engineer to shape next-generation defence systems in a multidisciplinary team. You will engage with customers and partners, defining requirements, delivering architecture and MBSE modeling, and supporting integration, verification and in-service activities.

Experience in RF, electronic warfare and cyber/electromagnetic activities is valued. The role offers hybrid working and security-clearance considerations inherent to defence work.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Systems Engineer in industry or advanced research.
• Experience collaborating with safety, security and reliability specialists to deliver robust solutions.
• Domain expertise in electronic warfare, C-UAS, SW defined radios is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and deliver next-generation defence systems.
• Work across the full system lifecycle from requirements through integration, verification and in-service support.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Safety & Reliability

Electronic warfare

RF systems

SW defined radios

System of systems

Defence programmes

Cyber and EM activities

Education

Science-based honours degree

Tools

MBSE

Open Standards (STICS/Open CPI)

Job description

Job Description

Want to help shape the future of defence in the electromagnetic battlespace?

Your impact

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of defence technology, contributing directly to advanced solutions that enhance operational effectiveness in complex and contested electromagnetic environments. As part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in defining, developing and delivering next-generation defence systems.

Working closely with customers, partners and stakeholders, you will apply your expertise across the full system lifecycle, from requirements definition and solution development through to integration, verification and in-service support.

You will contribute directly to some of the UK's most advanced land-based defence capabilities, including Land Electronic Warfare, Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and next-generation Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) equipment and solutions. These systems enable military users to exploit the electromagnetic spectrum, to generate operational advantage on the modern battlefield whilst also protecting friendly forces.

What you’ll bring;

Proven experience as a Systems Engineer within a working environment or advanced academic research experience. Ideally, you will have a science-based Honours degree or equivalent experience.

We are particularly interested in speaking to you if you have experience in the following areas;

• Systems Engineering (e.g. problem definition, architecture, MBSE, integration, verification & validation)
• Collaboration with specialists in safety, security, and reliability to deliver robust solutions
• Domain Expertise, e.g. electronic warfare, Counter IED / UAS, SW defined radios (Desirable)
• RF systems and SW defined radios (Desirable)
• Prime systems integration / system of systems (Desirable)
• Experience of Defence, military or security related programmes (Desirable)
• Cyber and electromagnetic activities – including Open Standards (STICS/Open CPI) (Desirable)

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.

Where this vacancy is being recruited across more than one grade, the successful candidate will be appointed to a specific assessed grade, and the applicable salary range will be that associated with the grade of appointment.

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 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.

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Additional Locations

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Southampton

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid