At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of high-performance electronics for advanced RADAR systems.
- 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 team that values innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology that protects people and nations.
- Qualifications: STEM degree and experience in circuit design and mixed signal knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84995 £ per year.
Salary: 60,000 to 84,995. 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.
Your Impact
Are you a highly experienced Hardware Engineer looking to help deliver high‑performance technology at the heart of our world‑leading Surveillance RADAR systems? If so, we’d love to hear from you. At Leonardo, you’ll be part of a team creating hardware that plays a critical role in protecting people, assets, and nations. In this role, you’ll experience the full engineering lifecycle—from shaping early requirements and architectures, to designing innovative, PCB‑level electronics, all the way through to supporting integration and qualification of the final product. This is a chance to apply your knowledge, stretch your capabilities, and see the impact of your work in real‑world operational systems.
What you’ll bring:
- Approving and owning work package plans associated with the allocation and deployment of team members and workload with suitable milestones to enable effective Engineering and business reporting.
- Risk Analysis of Work Packages advising of risk and suggesting mitigation plans where required.
- Giving overall direction to the team advising on technical specialism, domain expertise, engineering process and tool use as required.
- Being responsible for ensuring the team deliver technically sound solutions meeting all stakeholder requirements.
- Resolving complex multidisciplinary issues raised from within and outside of engineering.
- Resolving non-routine issues by making proposals and driving solutions through.
- Creating a culture to generate innovative ideas and solutions to local team and wider business problems.
The skills and experience we are looking for:
- Higher education approved STEM qualification at degree level as a minimum or equivalent as recognised by professional accreditation schemes.
- Circuit design (schematic capture) layout and simulation practitioner experience.
- Mixed signal knowledge using ADC/DAC, FPGA, SoC based design for high performance signal processing, communications and control.
- Integrating in-house designs with COTS modules (power supplies, single board computers, RF interfaces).
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:
- 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!
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
Contract Type: Employee-Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Job Summary Job number: R0018440 Date posted: 2026-06-04 Profession: Engineering Employment type: Full time
Lead Electronics Engineer in Edinburgh 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 Lead Electronics Engineer in Edinburgh
✨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 Lead Electronics Engineer 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
When you spot a role like Lead Electronics Engineer at Leonardo DRS, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Electronics Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Electronics Engineer, 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.
