Systems Architect

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is seeking a Systems Architect to lead the architectural development of complex solutions in the Electronic Warfare sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and systems-thinking skills, with experience in creating architectures for complex systems. This role offers an attractive benefits package and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Mental health support

Online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning

Financial rewards for referrals

Flexible benefits including private healthcare

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in creating and defining architectures for complex hardware and software solutions.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of integration with an understanding of emergent properties.
• Tenacity and determination to deliver outputs and results.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of solution strategies and roadmaps for the EW LoB.
• Define and document enterprise level procedures and guidance for system architecting.
• Lead key decision making activities for evaluating candidate solutions.
• Contribute to the development of enterprise architectures across campaigns and programmes.

Skills

Systems thinking

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Decision-making

Integration

Tenacity

Job description

Overview

Job Description:

Your impact

We have a fantastic new opportunity within the Electronic Warfare (EW) Line of Business (LoB) for a Systems Architect.

As part of our strategy and Systems Engineering Improvement Plan, we are creating new and exciting roles aimed at transforming the way we operate. This is one of those new opportunities as a Systems Architect.

The Systems Architect acts as the focal point for managing and generating high level technical and enterprise architectures, bringing together development across multiple programmes in the EW area. The role will provide a clear point of contact on Systems Architecting for Capability, Chief Engineers and the Head of Systems Engineering.

What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. From a diverse product portfolio of airborne RF sensing technologies, through to designing and developing integrated toolset solutions, with each programme at a different stage in its development lifecycle. Given the complexity it requires a cross cutting approach to systems architectural development.

The focus of this role is to provide direction, guidance and expertise to ensure:

• Coherent development of overall architecture of EW systems solutions across multiple complex programmes and at all layers of abstraction.
• Contribute to a clear Architectural Vision, supporting Capability roadmaps, for development of products in the short, medium and long term.
• Support the continued development of Architecting methodologies in the Systems Engineering Function

We are looking for someone passionate about our products, with a systems-thinking approach, you will thrive in dynamic environments, with the ability to make decisions quickly under pressure and set a clear vision for the team.

Given the nature of the work at this level we are able to offer custom working, however on-site working is expected.

As the Systems Architect for the EW LoB, you will:

• Lead the development of solution strategies, approaches and roadmaps for the EW LoB in line with Capability roadmaps, leaning on industry standard approaches such as Product Line Engineering, as well as being able to innovate and tailor as required.
• Lead the production of candidate system solutions and architectures at all levels of abstraction and lead key decision making activities to support evaluation of these against cost, value and compliance and an understanding of appropriate inclusion and identification of design margins.
• Define and document enterprise level procedures, guidance and best practice for system architecting and associated tools
• Work with the Bid & Project Manager to estimate the cost based on alternative solutions and approaches
• Responsible for architectural decision making including trade off analysis and supplier/partnership strategies
• Responsible for thought leadership within the relevant stakeholder communities, including white papers, conferences, networking, reports and presentations as applicable.
• Contribute to development of enterprise architectures across campaigns and programmes
• Contribute to the initiation and development of external strategic relationships to enable delivery
• Travel within the UK to meet with our customers and industry partners.
• Support to the development and embedding of appropriate Systems Architecting methodologies, processes and initiatives within the sector.

What you'll bring

Ideally, we are looking for a systems thinker, someone with:

• Experience in creating and defining architectures and interfaces for complex hardware and software solutions.
• Experience in managing and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment at a senior level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven ability to build trust and respect at different levels.
• Experience of integration, with an understanding of emergent properties, potential resultant issues, cost and schedule implications, and potential mitigations.
• Tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.

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: non-disclosable information about security viewing is available in the careers site.

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.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid