At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge defence avionics projects and shape the future of aerospace technology.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal national technical leadership role.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in complex systems engineering and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 82000 £ per year.
Salary: £75,000 - £82,000
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.
Your Impact
Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Multi-function RF System (MRFS) programme represents one of the most significant next‑generation defence avionics developments in Europe. This is a rare career‑defining opportunity to step into a pivotal national technical leadership role, reporting to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and International System Design Authority (SDA), at the heart of a world‑class engineering organisation with decades of airborne radar expertise.
As the National Chief Engineer and Design Authority, you will provide overall technical leadership across the GCAP Multi-function RF System, within Leonardo Electronics UK. You will be accountable for system-level coherence, architecture integrity, and long‑term technical strategy within a highly complex multi‑national programme. Your decisions will directly influence future capability, export potential, and the UK’s position within GCAP. The National Chief Engineer and Design Authority is a critical role within the Chief Engineering team, supporting international decision making while representing and safeguarding UK Freedom of Action and Freedom of Modification. The appropriate candidate may be asked to deputise for the International SDA when necessary.
This is more than an appointment — it is a strategic leadership position with significant influence across industry and government stakeholders. You will also be responsible for:
- Accountable to the GCAP MRFS Chief Engineer and international SDA, you will act as the UK National Design Authority for GCAP Multi-function RF System.
- Lead the critical low observability technology development programme.
- Ensure that the jointly developed solution satisfies UK National objectives and aspirations.
- Lead system and hardware architecture, ensuring alignment across radar, multifunction capability, and wider platform integration.
- Drive systems engineering activities including requirements management, functional decomposition, interface definition, and verification strategy.
- Lead concept generation, solution development, and trade studies across the system lifecycle.
- Provide technical governance and approval of key engineering artefacts, including compliance matrices and qualification evidence.
- Engage with national and international stakeholders across government, industry partners, and customers.
- Ensure integration across subsystem domains including RF, digital processing, software, and electro‑mechanical systems.
- Support safety, security, and airworthiness activities.
- Lead technical reviews and ensure robust decision‑making at system level.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in complex systems engineering, ideally within radar, sensing, or advanced electronic systems.
- Proven track record in system architecture leadership and design authority roles.
- Strong background in concept development and advanced system design.
- Ability to operate at programme and national stakeholder level.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
- Eligibility for UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (mandatory).
- Experience within multinational defence programmes and familiarity with tools such as DOORS/Teamcenter (desirable).
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).
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.
- 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 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 - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Chief Engineer employer: 慨正橡扯
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive professional development resources, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Edinburgh, you will be part of a world-class engineering organisation at the forefront of defence technology, with unique opportunities to influence national and international projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
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Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at 慨正橡扯, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At 慨正橡扯, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with 慨正橡扯.
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Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
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✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like 慨正橡扯 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
