Principal Systems Engineer in Southampton

Are you an experienced Systems Engineer or Scientist with an Electronics background? We are recruiting for a Principal Systems Engineer in our growing Detectors Area of Business, who can apply their expertise to deliver cutting‑edge Electro‑optic/InfraRed (EO/IR) capabilities across our Detector products. Based at our dedicated site in Southampton and offered with our award‑winning package.

Your Impact

Our Systems Engineers span across a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high‑performance system. As a Systems Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable. What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. A diverse product portfolio of EO/IR technologies, with each programme at a different stage in its development lifecycle.

Typical work you might be involved in:

• Applied research: Early research looking into exploiting new technologies or concepts.
• Requirements capture, definition, development, modelling, manufacture, test, and verification of EO/IR technologies.
• Applying and improving systems engineering processes across the full lifecycle.
• Collaborating with integrated project teams to design, build, and deliver EO/IR equipment.

To be successful you will demonstrate passion for your trade by instilling a systems‑thinking approach based on experience forming and leading high‑performing teams. You will be able to influence those you work with, thrive in dynamic environments, demonstrate resilience when faced with adversity and able to make decisions quickly under pressure and setting a clear technical vision for the project team. Given the extensive people engagement nature of the work, we are still able to offer custom working that allows for a combination of home and on‑site working i.e. flexible working delivering effective results.

What you’ll bring

You will have an electronics background and proven domain experience in EO/IR technologies, with the following attributes:

• Act as the focal point for systems engineering governance on the project.
• Requirements capture and management.
• System definition and development.
• Modelling and analysis.
• Verification and validation.
• Full engineering lifecycle application.
• Experience working in product development teams delivering Engineering artefacts successfully.
• Experience in managing and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders.
• Proven decision‑making skills in a high complexity, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven ability to build trust and respect at different levels.
• Motivation, tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver outputs and results.

The following experience/skills are very desirable:

• PhD, EngD or Post‑graduate degree in electro‑optics.
• Experience with Model Based Design (MBD) tools and methodologies to support describing and analysing through the problem to implementation domains.
• Experience with modelling tools e.g. Mathcad, MATLAB, Simulink.
• Experience with data acquisition tools such as LabView.
• Experience in using a requirement management tool to manage relationships of requirement and other project artefacts (DOORS, Polarion, Jama, etc.).

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).

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!