At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evaluation of cutting-edge radar systems for defence and security.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in advanced defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical projects that protect lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in radar systems design and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Leonardo, we solve real‑world engineering challenges, designing and developing mission‑critical solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced defence and security systems. Your work will contribute to the Typhoon radar programme which includes the largest single programme being delivered from the Edinburgh site. Next generation ESCAN radars are now in full‑scale production and being delivered to our customer on the front‑line, where we strive to provide key functionality and capability to meet the customer operational requirements.
We are recruiting for a Lead Systems Engineer to lead the operational evaluation for the Typhoon ECRS Mk0 (ESCAN) radar against the operational Fitness for Purpose (FFP) criteria. FFP is a non‑contractual framework that has been agreed between Euroradar and our purchaser, BAESYSTEMS, to aid the prioritisation of System Problem Reports (SysPRs) with the aim of reaching an acceptable level of product maturity against agreed operationally relevant criteria.
The Lead Systems Engineer will lead a team responsible for:
- Product gap analysis against operationally relevant scenarios
- Problem Report identification and sentencing
- Problem Report prioritisation
- Identifying when maturity goals are met
- Supporting compliance statements against the Specification
- Co‑ordinating the agile ‘on‑train’ maturity assessment activities through the Product Manager and technical leadership team, which will be delivered by those SMEs
- Planning and presentation of maturity point reviews with key internal and external stakeholders
- Identifying clear gaps in product maturity and supporting the sentencing of SySPRs
As Lead Systems Engineer, you will work within the Typhoon delivery sector, leading and co‑ordinating the Leonardo UK Systems Engineering activity for evaluating the Mk0 radar product maturity for the Entry‑Into‑Service product. There are two software development releases planned to deliver an operationally capable radar that meets the specification. The candidate will need to be highly motivated and able to define and lead activities for producing maturity metrics and analysis tools to present product maturity to the Chief Engineer and Technical Director to ensure that we focus on the correct changes to meet FFP and compliance objectives. This role presents an opportunity to be at the heart of the success of the Typhoon ECRS Mk0 Radar System, achieving customer satisfaction with this product. This role is pivotal to the reputation and the future business winning success for Leonardo. In the role you will report to the Leonardo UK Chief Systems Engineer.
Key Skills
- Experience of Radar Systems Design and/or Qualification at a Lead Engineer level
- Familiarity with the principles of Pulsed Doppler radar waveform design and signal processing implementation
- Familiarity with the principles of Radar tracking and trade‑offs against supporting detection schemes
- Experience of certification to recognised standards including experience in Integration, Test, Evaluation and Acceptance (ITEA)
- Experience of data analysis from radar flight trials
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain SC security clearance and work within UKEO and US ITAR TAA restrictions
- Experience of working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders of varying seniorities, with a demonstrable ability to make, and help teams make, timely decisions
What else would help
- A 2:1 or higher in a relevant engineering or science‑based honours degree
- Chartered Engineer status is desirable
- Experience of the application of the regulatory environment for airborne products, e.g. MAA, EASA
- Experience of delivering training and awareness courses
- Experience with any of the following tools: Matlab, Simulink, Siemens Teamcenter, IBM DOORS
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 (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
Primary Location: GB – Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Onsite
Lead Systems Engineer employer: 慨正橡扯
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our Edinburgh site is at the forefront of defence technology, providing unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects like the Typhoon radar programme, while enjoying generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and personal development in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Leonardo on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Typhoon radar programme. Understand its challenges and successes, and think about how your skills can contribute to its future. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly, especially when discussing radar systems. Try explaining your past projects to friends or family to get comfortable with it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Leonardo team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with radar systems and engineering challenges. We want to see how your skills align with the Lead Systems Engineer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with certification standards, integration, and testing. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure to detail your past roles that relate to the key skills listed in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Leonardo!
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Radar Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of radar systems design and qualification. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Pulsed Doppler radar waveform design and signal processing, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you understand the technical requirements of the Lead Systems Engineer role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves identifying and prioritising problem reports, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled similar challenges. Prepare to explain your thought process and how you reached decisions, as this will highlight your analytical skills and ability to lead a team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role, especially when working with various stakeholders. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your engagement and interest in collaboration.
✨Show Your Leadership Qualities
As a Lead Systems Engineer, you'll be expected to lead a team and coordinate activities. Think about your leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams or driven projects to success. Highlight any experience you have in planning and presenting maturity point reviews, as this will be crucial for the role.
