At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team to develop cutting-edge defence technologies.
- 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 culture that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40507 - 49509 £ per year.
Your impact
Want to help shape the future of defence in the electromagnetic battlespace? We are looking for talented and motivated Engineers Managers to join our growing Land Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) business. At Leonardo, you’ll contribute to the development of innovative, cutting-edge capabilities for UK and export customers while benefiting from flexible working arrangements that support a healthy balance between business requirements and individual needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of defence technology, contributing directly to advanced solutions that enhance operational effectiveness in complex and contested electromagnetic environments. As part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in defining, developing and delivering next-generation defence systems.
Working closely with customers, partners and stakeholders, you will apply your expertise across the full system lifecycle, from requirements definition and solution development through to integration, verification and in-service support. You will contribute directly to some of the UK's most advanced land-based defence capabilities, including Land Electronic Warfare, Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and next-generation Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) equipment and solutions. These systems enable military users to exploit the electromagnetic spectrum to generate operational advantage on the modern battlefield whilst also protecting friendly forces.
What you'll do:
- Lead a multi-disciplined engineering team
- Work closely with project managers and project engineering managers to deliver engineering outputs against agreed time, cost and performance targets.
- Develop clear and relevant engineering plans, establish key milestones, and identify risks, opportunities and interdependencies.
- Review engineering progress across projects and adapt plans as required to mitigate risks to cost, schedule or performance.
- Prepare and communicate monthly engineering status reports for assigned projects to the Head of Engineering Projects.
- Coordinate engineering inputs into bids and proposals as part of the business-winning process.
- Form part of the multi-functional management team within the Integrated Project Team (IPT) and represent Engineering at weekly and monthly progress and reporting meetings as required.
What you'll bring:
- An innovative and forward-thinking approach to solving complex engineering challenges
- A strong drive to deliver in a complex and dynamic environment
- Educated to a degree level in an engineering or related science based subject (essential)
- Previous experience of managing and/or leading multi-disciplined engineering teams, taking responsibility for schedule and budget (essential)
- Strong understanding and proven track record of engineering lifecycles and processes (essential)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (essential)
- Experience of working on the development of hardware electronics, firmware, mechanical and software based products (Essential)
- Experience of working on the development of EW and/or communications systems (Highly Desirable)
- Experience of collaborating with external partners and suppliers (Desirable)
- Experience of working within the defence or aerospace industry (Desirable)
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and The Security Check (SC).
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 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 - Basildon
Additional Locations: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary
Job number: R0030966
Date posted: 2026-07-30
Profession: Engineering
Employment type: Full time
Project Engineering Lead in Basildon employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS is an excellent employer for students seeking practical experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Located in Bedford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal place for young individuals to kickstart their careers in inventory management and logistics. With hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, students can gain valuable insights while contributing to meaningful projects over their temporary tenure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineering Lead in Basildon
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Engineering Lead role you’re after at Leonardo DRS.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Leonardo DRS a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Leonardo DRS.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineering Lead in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Engineering Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Leonardo DRS a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Leonardo DRS specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Leonardo DRS, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Leonardo DRS want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
