Director of systems engineering in Basildon, Essex

Leonardo has an exciting opportunity within the Integrated Sensing and Protection (ISP) business for a Chief Systems Engineer operating within the Precision Guidance business area at our site in Basildon. With a diverse portfolio of technologies and projects at different stages of maturity, Precision Guidance requires strong Systems Engineering discipline to ensure we are doing the right activities at the right time. Your role is to help the programme navigate this complexity and deliver high quality, integrated solutions. As Chief Systems Engineer, you will act as the focal point for Systems Engineering governance and capability development, influencing and realising the benefits of robust engineering practice, coherent architectures, and a clear technical direction. You will collaborate closely with engineering, capability, and programme leadership to embed Systems Thinking and influence the business area's long-term success. Using your skills as an influencer, you will thrive in dynamic environments, with the ability to make decisions quickly under pressure and set a clear technical vision for the team on Systems Engineering methodologies. The role will involve extensive people engagement at the Basildon site with flexible working arrangements available that align with the project's charter and IPTs needs. Influence the development, structure, and quality of engineering artefacts across the FC/ASW programme, ensuring coherence, consistency and technical integrity Act as the focal point for systems engineering governance, supporting Lifecycle Management (LCM), activities ensuring compliance with solid SE practices Provide expert coaching to ensure engineers fully understand the problem space, stakeholder needs, and system constraints across early and later lifecycle stages Ensure the appropriate level of concept development, modelling & simulation and architectural techniques to inform solution options and technical decisions Influence whole life design considerations relating to Safety, Security, Manufacture, Test, Supportability, Through Life Support in line with company processes Identify trends across the Business Area, capturing and sharing lessons learned to improve the quality and efficiency of future work Collaborate with your peers in similar roles across the team/UK to promote a culture of continual learning and improvement, acting as a change agent for systems engineering Identify trends, recurring challenges, and systemic inefficiencies across the area of focus, turning them into actionable improvements Act as a change agent, helping the organisation strengthen its Systems Engineering capability and adopt more connected, scalable engineering practices What you'll bringWe are looking for a systems thinker with: Experience applying Systems Engineering governance and LCM process A track record of delivering highquality engineering artefacts within Integrated Project Teams Experience in eliciting stakeholder expectations Experience in creating and defining architectures Experience in managing and collaborating with internal/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 (An effective influencer) Motivation, tenacity and determination, with a desire to deliver beneficial outcomes Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering tools and methodologies Experience working on largescale Systems Integration programmes, managing cost, schedule and quality implications Domain experience any of the following specialisms: RF, Electronic Warfare, Electro-Optics, Air/Land/Sea sub-system Platform Integration, Sensor Fusion, AI/Machine Learning Practitioner level ability using Model Driven Engineering tool e.g. 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. Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. 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. 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. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. Full time