Lead System Engineer in Basildon, Essex

Job Description:Are you an experienced Systems Engineer who loves contributing to the international Defence Industry and making impactful change? We are recruiting for a Lead Systems Engineer to drive LEUK technical delivery of a complex, in-service Communications Systems, working on real engineering problems and shaping solutions that sit at the heart of our operational capability. This vacancy will be based at our Basildon site.Your impactAs the Lead Systems Engineer, you will act as the project team's Design Authority for the system, providing leadership across Systems Engineering activities and acting as the primary technical interface with stakeholders. You will support the definition, refinement and delivery of technical solutions, ensuring the system continues to meet operational needs throughout its lifecycle.What we build is exciting, interesting, challenging and complex. The system is already in service and evolving, requiring a balance of systems thinking, technical depth and hands-on engineering. Given this complexity, it requires a strong application of the “Art of Systems Engineering” to ensure we are doing the right activities at the right time.The focus of this role is to provide direction, guidance and technical authority to ensure:Customer requirements are fully understood, refined, decomposed and traced into system solutionsThe system architecture is clearly defined, controlled and maintainedTechnical proposals and design decisions are robust, justified and aligned with customer expectationsSystem integration across software, RF and hardware elements is coherent and well managedVerification and validation activities demonstrate compliance with operational needsTo be successful, you will demonstrate passion for your trade through strong technical leadership and ownership of complex systems. You will be comfortable operating as a technical lead, making sound engineering decisions and setting a clear technical direction while working closely with customers and internal teams.Given the customer-facing and collaborative nature of the role, we continue to offer flexible working with a combination of home and on-site working where appropriate. Day-to-day duties include:Act as IPT's Design Authority for the HF communications system, owning key technical decisionsServe as the technical point of contact for the customer, leading and contributing to frequent technical meetings and reviewsLead LEUK's effort in the elicitation, definition, refinement and decomposition of customer requirementsDefine, refine and maintain system architectures and interface definitionsProvide technical input into bids, proposals and change activitiesWork across a demanding and complex area of the business, supporting in-service capability and future developmentCollaborate with software, RF, hardware and test teams to ensure end-to-end system coherenceUndertake hands-on technical activity where required, including configuring reference systems for test and demonstrationSupport and deliver verification, validation and acceptance activities across the lifecycleEnsure through-life considerations such as safety, security, supportability and obsolescence are addressed in line with company processesWhat you’ll bringYou will have proven experience as a Lead Systems Engineer (or a role with similar responsibilities), with the following attributes:Strong experience applying Systems Engineering across the full lifecycleExperience acting as a technical authority or owning system architecturesExperience in eliciting, refining and decomposing customer requirementsExperience defining and evaluating technical solutions and proposalsA working understanding of software development and its integration within complex systemsExperience working closely with internal and external stakeholders, including customersExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearlyThe confidence to make technical decisions in a complex, dynamic environmentMotivation, tenacity and a strong sense of technical ownershipThe following experience/skills are very desirable:Knowledge or experience of HF communications systemsSome level of RF engineering understandingExperience working on in-service or operational defence systemsExperience with Systems Integration, Test and Demonstration activitiesDomain experience in Telecommunications, RF, IP Networking or related areasExperience working on largescale Systems Integration programmes, having managed issues associated with cost, schedule & quality implicationsThis 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 ClearanceThis 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: Why join usAt 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 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. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.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 - BasildonContract Type:PermanentHybrid Working:HybridJob SummaryJob number: R0026194Date posted : 2026-08-05Profession: EngineeringEmployment type: Full time